2005 06 Nucelar Waste en

Special Eurobarometer
European Commission
Radioactive waste
Fieldwork : February- March 2005 Publication : June 2005
Special Eurobarometer 227 / Wave 63.2 TNS Opinion & Social
This survey was requested by Directorate General Energy and Transport and coordinated by Directorate General Press and Communication
This document does not represent the point of view of the European Commission. The interpretations and opinions contained in it are solely those of the authors.
Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report
Radioactive waste
Contents
INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................3 ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................5 1. The perception of radioactive waste and nuclear energy ..........................5 1.1. The level of information about radioactive waste ........................................5 1.2. Actual knowledge about radioactive waste ................................................9
1.2.1. 1.2.2. 1.2.3. 1.2.4. 1.2.5. 1.2.6. 1.2.7. 1.2.8. The extent of danger from radioactive waste ....................................10 The production of radioactive waste by research centres ....................12 The production of radioactive waste in hospitals ...............................14 The existence of different types of radioactive waste .........................16 The production of radioactive waste by non-nuclear industries ............18 The production of radioactive waste by nuclear reactors.....................20 The quantity of radioactive waste ...................................................22 Average actual knowledge .............................................................24
1.3. The level of support for nuclear energy................................................... 26 1.4. Perception of the problem of radioactive waste ........................................ 30 1.5. Opinions of nuclear energy ................................................................... 32
1.5.1. 1.5.2. 1.5.3. The diversification of energy sources...............................................32 Dependence on oil........................................................................33 The emission of greenhouse gases..................................................34
2. The perception of the risk of radioactive waste ......................................38 2.1. Transport ........................................................................................... 38 2.2. Storage.............................................................................................. 41 2.3. Fears regarding the construction of a disposal site.................................... 42 2.4. Involvement of citizens in the construction of such a site .......................... 46 3. The management of radioactive waste ...................................................49 3.1. The general opinion of recycling uncontaminated materials........................ 49 3.2. Use of recycled material ....................................................................... 53 3.3. Actual knowledge regarding management ............................................... 57
3.3.1. 3.3.2. 3.3.3. 3.3.4. 3.3.5. 3.3.6. Temporary storage .......................................................................58 Underground disposal of radioactive waste.......................................59 Storage in steel drums..................................................................60 Despatch to other countries ...........................................................61 Dumping at sea ...........................................................................62 Average actual knowledge .............................................................63
3.4. Sources of information ......................................................................... 65
-1-
Radioactive waste
4. Public opinion of underground disposal ..................................................70 4.1. 4.2. 4.3. 4.4. The need for an urgent solution ........................................................ 71 What is the safe way to get rid of this waste?...................................... 72 Political unpopularity ....................................................................... 73 The underground disposal solution .................................................... 74
5. The European dimension of the management of radioactive waste..............76
CONCLUSION .................................................................................................78
-2-
Radioactive waste
INTRODUCTION
The European Union's energy policy is of primary importance in the Community strategy for sustainable development, supply and security. At the end of 2000, the European Commission published a Green Paper on the security of supply which emphasised the need for a common strategy and the extension of the scope of Community powers in relation to energy, to give the European Union more control over its destiny in this area1. It sketches out a long-term energy strategy, and also undertakes an analysis of the medium-term contribution of nuclear energy. It is expected that, in the absence of any action, the contribution of nuclear energy will decline in the future. In examining the future contribution of nuclear energy, the debate should consider questions such as climate change, the security of the gas supply and sustainable development. Furthermore, research on the safe management of nuclear waste should be actively pursued. In 2004, a proposal for a directive stressed the importance of establishing a high level of nuclear safety in the management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste in the Member States in order to protect public health and the environment2. In view of this, the purpose of this study is to analyse the opinion of European Union citizens on the subject of nuclear energy, and radioactive waste in particular. This survey was carried out by TNS Opinion & Social interviewing 24 708 citizens in the 25 Member States of the European Union between 9 February and 20 March 2005. The methodology used is that of Eurobarometer surveys as carried out by the DirectorateGeneral for Press and Communication (Unit for Opinion Polls, Press Reviews, Europe Direct). A technical note on the way in which interviews were conducted by the Institutes within the TNS Opinion & Social network can be found annexed to this report. This note indicates the interview methods and the confidence intervals. It should be noted that two studies have previously been carried out on this subject in the Europe of 15, in late 1998 and late 20013. However, the questionnaires used for these surveys have been adapted to reflect cyclical needs, with the aim of identifying the main trends.
1 2
Green paper, " Towards a European Strategy for the Security of Energy Supply" [Com(2000) 769] Proposal of directive (Euratom) of Council on the management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste [COM(2004) 526 final] 3 EB 50.0 EB Special 122 carried out in October-November 1998 EB 56.2 EB Special 165 carried out in October-November 2001 http://europa.eu.int/comm/public_opinion/archives/eb_special_en.htm -3-
Radioactive waste
This reports tackles the following themes in turn: The perception of citizens of the European Union on the subjects of radioactive waste and nuclear energy The risks involved in radioactive waste The management of radioactive waste The final disposal of highly radioactive waste The European dimension of the management of radioactive waste
For each of these points, we shall analyse the results in terms of the European average and the changes by comparison with the preceding surveys when this is possible. We then consider the current position by country and make some brief comments on the socio-demographic variables of citizens of the European Union4.
4 All the tables can be found in the annexes. New rounding methods having been adopted during this survey, the figures shown may differ by a point with the sum of individual cells. It is should also be noted that total percentages given in the tables to this report may exceed 100% where respondents were able to give several responses to a single question.
-4-
Radioactive waste
ANALYSIS 1. The perception of radioactive waste and nuclear energy

The first part of this report will focus on what citizens of the European Union know about radioactive waste and their opinion of nuclear energy: How well informed do they think they are about radioactive waste? What do they actually know about waste of this type? What is their opinion of nuclear energy?
1.1. The level of information about radioactive waste Questionnaire source: Q1 Let us first look at the changes in the perception of citizens of the Union regarding their level of knowledge about radioactive waste. This question has already been posed in 1998 and in 2001. - A low level of information, but rising slightly At the beginning of 2005, three-quarters of citizens of the European Union felt that they were 'not well informed' about radioactive waste (74%). In parallel, a quarter of respondents stated that they were well informed on this subject (25%). This represents a slight rise in the number of well informed citizens by comparison with four years ago (+4 points).
Q 1. H o w we ll inf o rm e d do yo u t hink yo u a re a bo ut ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e ? % E U
EB 50.0: 10-11/1999
EB 56.2: 10-11/2001
EB 63.2: 02/2005
74% No t well info rm ed 77% 76%
25% Well info rm ed 2 1%
22%
-5-
Radioactive waste
Within the European Union, citizens in Sweden seem best informed about radioactive waste: one respondent in two in this country felt well-informed (51%). However, everywhere else, the level of information is decidedly lower and only a minority of the people interviewed felt well-informed. In Slovenia and Finland, however, more than four respondents in ten felt wellinformed about this subject (46% and 43% respectively). Fewer that one citizen in five felt well-informed about radioactive waste in Poland (19%), Cyprus (18%), Austria (17%), Greece (16%), Italy (16%), Spain (15%) and Portugal (15%). The southern countries in the Union thus seem to suffer particularly from a lack of information in this area.
Q 1. H o w we ll inf o rm e d do yo u t hink yo u a re a bo ut ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e ?
Well informed
EU25 25%
Not well informed

74%
DK
SE SI FI NL DE HU DK LU IE UK CZ SK BE EE LV FR MT LT PL CY AT EL IT ES PT
0%
5 1% 46% 43% 37% 36% 32% 3 1% 3 1% 26% 25% 25% 25% 23% 23% 23% 22% 22% 20% 19 % 18 % 17 % 16 % 16 % 15 % 15 % 66% 77% 80% 79% 82% 84% 83% 83% 80%
49% 54% 56% 63% 63% 68% 68% 68% 7 1% 73% 75% 73% 77% 76% 76% 77% 12 %
100 %
-6-
Radioactive waste
The map below gives a graphic representation of the overall level of information in the Member States.
Q1 How well informed do you think you are about radioactive waste? Answers: Well informed
Member States Results

Sweden Slovenia Finland Germany Hungary Denmark Luxembourg Ireland EU25 Czech Republic Slovakia Belgium Estonia Latvia France Malta Lithuania Poland Cyprus Austria Greece Italy Spain Portugal 51% 46% 43% 36% 32% 31% 31% 26% 25% 25% 25% 23% 23% 23% 22% 22% 20% 19% 18% 17% 16% 16% 15% 15%
The Netherlands 37%
United Kingdom 25%
Legend
51% - 100% 41% - 50% 31% - 40% 21% - 30% 0% - 20%
-7-
Radioactive waste
Socio-demographic analysis of the level of information of citizens of the European Union concerning radioactive waste provides some important information. It appears that the profile of citizens of the Union stating that they are well-informed on this subject is that of: A man, A person over 40 years old, A respondent having studied until at least the age of 20, A citizen politically speaking rather to the left or right than in the centre, An executive or business manager, A person living in a large town.
An additional comparison of this question with the level of support for nuclear energy in general indicates that citizens favourable to this type of energy tend to feel better informed than its opponents (35% vs. 20%).
Q1. EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Left-Right scale (1-4) Left (5-6) Centre (7-10) Right Respondent occupation scale Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Subjective urbanisation Rural village Small/ mid size town Large town Support for nuclear energy In favour Opposed 35% 20% 65% 79% 23% 24% 29% 75% 76% 70% 27% 36% 24% 20% 16% 22% 28% 23% 72% 63% 75% 79% 82% 76% 70% 76% 29% 25% 28% 70% 75% 71% 18% 25% 34% 23% 81% 74% 65% 76% 19% 22% 27% 28% 80% 77% 72% 70% Well informed 25% 29% 21% Not well informed 74% 70% 78%
-8-
Radioactive waste
1.2. Actual knowledge about radioactive waste Questionnaire source: Q5 During the course of the survey, the interviewees were given seven statements which they had to state as being true or false. Analysis of responses to this quiz enables us to see the actual level of knowledge about radioactive waste. - Eight respondents out of ten considered that all radioactive waste is very dangerous Among the seven statements tested on interviewees, we observed a very low level of knowledge about how dangerous radioactive waste is. 79% of citizens of the European Union think that all radioactive waste is very dangerous, although this statement is false. Only 14% gave the right answer. Next, more than seven out of ten citizens correctly identified the fact that certain research centres produce radioactive waste (77%) and hospitals produce low-level radioactive waste (73%). Also 71% of respondents recognised that there are several categories of radioactive waste. Furthermore, two-thirds of interviewees think, rightly, that some non-nuclear industries also produce low-level radioactive waste (66%). In contrast, only a minority of respondents know that highly radioactive waste is not solely produced by nuclear reactors (35%). Finally, 37% of citizens of the European Union believe that radioactive waste is produced in a similar quantity to other dangerous waste, while 37% think the opposite. It should be noted that 26% were unable to answer this question.
Q 5 . F o r e a c h o f t he f o llo wing s t a t e m e nt s , ple a s e t e ll m e whe t he r yo u t hink it is t rue o r f a ls e . % EU TRUE FA LSE DK
A ll radio active waste is very dangero us Co rrect answer : FA LSE
79%
14 %
8%
So m e R esearch centers pro duce radio active waste Co rrect answer : TR UE
77%
7%
16 %
There are Ho spitals which pro duce lo w level radio active waste C o rrect answer : TR UE
73%
10 %
17 %
There are several catego ries o f radio active waste Co rrect answer : TRUE
7 1%
10 %
19 %
So m e No n-nuclear industries pro duce lo w level radio active waste Co rrect answer : TRUE High level radio active waste is pro duced o nly in nuclear reacto rs Co rrect answer : FA LSE R adio active waste is pro duced in sim ilar quantities to o ther dangero us waste Co rrect answer : FA LSE 0%
66%
12 %
22%
45%
35%
19 %
37%
37%
26%
100%
-9-
Radioactive waste
1.2.1. The extent of danger from radioactive waste The greatest lack of knowledge among citizens of the European Union relates to how dangerous radioactive waste is: nearly eight out of ten interviewees gave the wrong answer, stating that all radioactive waste is very dangerous (79%). Only 14% of respondents seemed to know that there are varying degrees of danger, and 8% gave no answer. By comparison with four years ago, we observe a growth in the percentage of citizens giving the wrong answer to this question (+4 points).
Q 5 .7 . A ll ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e is v e ry da nge ro us - % E U C o rre c t a ns we r : " F a ls e " False True DK
EB 63.2: 02/2005
14%
79%
8%
EB 56.2: 10-11/2001
14%
75%
11%
0%
100%
From a socio-demographic point of view, more men, young people, citizens with higher educational levels and people living in large towns tend to provide the right answer, stating that it is false to regard all radioactive waste as very dangerous. Furthermore, citizens who feel they are well-informed on this subject and those in favour of nuclear energy also tend to take this view.
Q5.7. EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Subjective urbanisation Rural village Small/ mid size town Large town Level of information Well informed Not well informed Support for nuclear energy In favour Opposed 20% 10% 75% 83% 5% 7% 20% 12% 76% 80% 4% 8% 12% 14% 16% 79% 79% 76% 8% 7% 8% 8% 13% 19% 19% 80% 81% 75% 75% 12% 7% 5% 5% 18% 17% 14% 9% 75% 76% 80% 81% 8% 7% 6% 10% False 14% 17% 11% True 79% 77% 80% DK 8% 6% 9%
- 10 -
Radioactive waste
In the 25 Member States, a vast majority of respondents consider all radioactive waste as very dangerous. The Netherlands is the country recording the highest rate of correct answers: a third of respondents claim that it is false to consider all radioactive waste as very dangerous (34%). They are followed by the Swedes (30%) and the Danish (27%). In contrast, there is a very high level of ignorance of the existence of different degrees of danger from radioactive waste in Latvia, Greece, Slovakia and Poland. In these countries, 91% of respondents wrongly believe all radioactive waste to be very dangerous.
Q 5 .7 . A ll ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e is v e ry da nge ro us C o rre c t a ns we r : " F a ls e " False EU25 14 % True 79% DK 8%
NL SE DK BE FI UK FR IT SI LU CZ MT PT DE ES IE AT HU PL CY LT SK EL EE LV
34% 30% 27% 25% 22% 22% 16 % 13 % 13 % 12 % 11% 11% 10 % 9% 9% 9% 9% 8% 6% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 4% 77% 8 1% 83% 89% 9 1% 90% 89% 9 1% 9 1% 89% 9 1% 76% 74% 87% 62% 79% 80% 85% 83% 88%
59% 65% 66% 74% 73% 16 %
8% 5% 7%
4%
5% 7%
5%
12 % 16 % 4% 14 % 10 % 8% 3% 3% 5% 6% 3% 5% 7% 5%
0%
1 00%
- 11 -
Radioactive waste
1.2.2. The production of radioactive waste by research centres Across the European Union, more than three-quarters of citizens rightly consider that some research centres produce radioactive waste (77%). In Belgium, Sweden and Slovenia, the rate of correct answers reached 87%. The rate is also very high in Denmark (86%), Germany, the Czech Republic and Hungary (84%). In contrast, citizens in Ireland, Portugal and Malta seem less aware of the production of radioactive waste in some research centres. Although a majority of citizens are aware of the production of radioactive waste by certain research centres, it was observed that a third of respondents in these countries were unable to answer this question.
Q 5 .4 . S o m e R e s e a rc h c e nt e rs pro duc e ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e C o rre c t a ns we r : " T rue " True EU25 77% False DK 7% 16 %
BE SE SI DK DE CZ HU NL FR FI SK LU PL LV AT EL IT UK ES EE CY LT IE PT MT
87% 87% 87% 86% 84% 84% 84% 83% 8 1% 80% 80% 79% 79% 76% 75% 72% 72% 70% 69% 69% 68% 63% 59% 57% 54% 8% 10 % 13 % 9% 5% 7% 10 % 7% 7% 7% 9% 12 % 26% 5% 9% 3% 7% 7% 6% 5% 5% 10 % 9%
8% 5% 7%
5% 8% 6%
12 % 9% 9% 10 % 12 % 15 % 10 % 11% 16 % 12 % 17 % 18 % 19 % 16 %
24% 20% 25% 28% 32% 33% 33%
0%
1 00%
- 12 -
Radioactive waste
The fact that some research centres produce radioactive waste seems to be better known among men, respondents of average age (25-54 years), citizens working as managers, self employed or white collar workers and people living in large towns. There was also a higher non-response rate to this question among respondents aged 55 and over, respondents whose education had ended earlier, persons at home and the retired. Finally, citizens who consider themselves generally well-informed about radioactive waste and those in favour of nuclear energy are more likely to know that some research centres produce radioactive waste.
Q5.4. EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Respondent occupation scale Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Subjective urbanisation Rural village Small/ mid size town Large town Level of information Well informed Not well informed Support for nuclear energy In favour Opposed
True 77% 80% 73% 75% 80% 82% 71% 66% 79% 85% 78% 82% 86% 82% 78% 67% 77% 71% 78% 76% 76% 79% 86% 74% 82% 77%
False 7% 7% 7% 11% 7% 6% 7% 9% 7% 5% 11% 7% 5% 8% 7% 8% 6% 7% 11% 7% 8% 7% 6% 8% 7% 8%
DK 16% 12% 19% 14% 13% 12% 22% 25% 15% 10% 11% 11% 9% 11% 15% 25% 17% 22% 11% 18% 16% 14% 9% 18% 11% 15%
- 13 -
Radioactive waste
1.2.3. The production of radioactive waste in hospitals 73% of citizens of the European Union state that hospitals can produce low-level radioactive waste, 10% say that they do not, and 17% are unable to answer. More than eight out of ten respondents gave the right answer - true - in the Netherlands (85%), Slovenia (85%), Belgium (84%) and Sweden (81%). In some countries, although a small majority of citizens know that some hospitals produce low-level radioactive waste, the number of respondents either giving the wrong answer or no answer at all is very high. This is the case in Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. In Portugal, 50% of citizens recognise that hospitals can produce low-level radioactive waste and 50% either give the wrong answer or fail to reply. Finally, in Malta, fewer than one respondent in two gives the right answer (49%) while 39% express no opinion.
Q 5 .2 . T he re a re H o s pit a ls whic h pro duc e lo w le v e l ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e C o rre c t a ns we r : " T rue " True EU25 73% False 10 % DK 17 %
NL SI BE SE FR LU FI DE CZ HU DK ES IE UK SK PL EL AT IT CY EE LV LT PT MT 54% 53% 52% 5 1% 50% 49%
85% 85% 84% 8 1% 79% 79% 79% 77% 77% 77% 73% 7 1% 7 1% 7 1% 7 1% 70% 69% 68% 66% 13 % 16 % 15 % 16 % 19 % 12 % 39% 9% 10 % 8% 5% 14 % 12 % 11% 11% 14 % 34% 7% 7% 7% 11% 11% 14 % 11%
6% 8% 10 %
9% 7% 6% 12 % 14 % 14 % 11% 12 % 9% 12 %
18 % 20% 2 1% 24% 15 % 18 % 20% 2 1% 20%
3 1% 33% 33% 3 1%
0%
1 00%
- 14 -
Radioactive waste
Men, people aged between 40 and 54 years, respondents who have studied up to at least the age of 20 and professionals or business managers are more likely to be aware of the production of low-level radioactive waste in certain hospitals. However, there is a higher rate of don't knows among citizens aged 55 and over, respondents with a low level of education and women or men staying at home. As was stated for the preceding statements, citizens stating that they are wellinformed about radioactive waste and, to a lesser degree, those in favour of nuclear energy are more likely to know that hospitals can produce low-level radioactive waste.
Q5.2. EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Respondent occupation scale Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Level of information Well informed Not well informed Support for nuclear energy In favour Opposed
True 73% 77% 69% 67% 75% 78% 69% 63% 74% 82% 71% 76% 83% 77% 74% 64% 71% 69% 71% 83% 70% 79% 72%
False 10% 10% 11% 15% 9% 9% 9% 12% 10% 7% 13% 10% 7% 11% 11% 10% 11% 9% 13% 9% 11% 9% 12%
DK 17% 14% 20% 18% 15% 12% 22% 25% 16% 10% 15% 13% 10% 12% 16% 26% 17% 21% 15% 9% 19% 12% 17%
- 15 -
Radioactive waste
1.2.4. The existence of different types of radioactive waste In early 2005, 71% of interviewees in the European Union believed that there were several categories of radioactive waste. This percentage of right answers was slightly down on that recorded at the end of 2001 (-5 points). The number of respondents believing that, on the contrary, there are not several categories of radioactive waste rose by 6 points, while those failing to answer fell by one point.
Q 5 .1. T he re a re s e v e ra l c a t e go rie s o f ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e - % E U C o rre c t a ns we r : " T rue " True False DK
EB 63.2: 02/2005
71%
10 %
19 %
EB 56.2: 10-11/2001
76%
4%
20%
0%
100%
From a socio-demographic point of view, the existence of different types of radioactive waste appears to be more generally recognised by men, respondents aged less than 55 years, citizens with a high educational level, students, town-dwellers, respondents who feel well-informed about radioactive waste and those stating that they are in favour of nuclear energy.
Q5.1. EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Subjective urbanisation Rural village Small/ mid size town Large town Level of information Well informed Not well informed In favour Opposed
True 71% 75% 68% 75% 75% 74% 64% 62% 72% 78% 77% 69% 72% 73% 81% 69% 78% 70%
False 10% 10% 9% 10% 9% 10% 10% 11% 10% 8% 9% 10% 10% 9% 9% 10% 9% 11%
DK 19% 15% 23% 15% 16% 17% 25% 27% 18% 14% 14% 21% 18% 18% 10% 22% 14% 19%
Support for nuclear energy
- 16 -
Radioactive waste
In Slovenia, more than nine out of ten citizens are aware that there are various categories of radioactive waste (92%). The next best-informed citizens regarding the existence of different types of radioactive waste are to be found in Slovakia (80%), Belgium (79%), Sweden (79%) and Hungary (79%). However, there are higher levels of non-response for this factor in Lithuania (35%), as well as in Estonia (31%) and Austria (30%). Finally, the highest recorded level (16%) of citizens mistakenly claiming that there are not several types of radioactive waste was found in the Czech Republic.
Q 5 .1. T he re a re s e v e ra l c a t e go rie s o f ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e C o rre c t a ns we r : " T rue " True EU25 7 1% False 10 % DK 19 %
SI SK BE SE HU DE LU EL FR FI IE NL CY MT DK IT ES UK PT LV PL CZ EE AT LT 80% 79% 79% 79% 75% 75% 74% 74% 74% 73% 73% 72% 72% 7 1% 70% 69% 69% 67% 66% 66% 65% 60% 59% 55%
92% 9% 14 % 11% 7% 13 % 6% 9% 6% 13 % 4% 11% 4% 6% 10 % 13 % 6% 4% 7% 7% 12 % 16 % 9% 11% 10 % 3 1% 30% 35% 23%
3% 4% 11% 8% 10 % 13 % 12 % 18 % 17 % 20% 14 %
16 % 23% 22% 19 % 18 % 25% 26% 27% 27% 22% 19 %
0%
1 00%
- 17 -
Radioactive waste
1.2.5. The production of radioactive waste by non-nuclear industries Two-thirds of the people interviewed in the European Union responded correctly to the statement that some non-nuclear industries produce low-level radioactive waste (66%). 12% stated the opposite, and 22% were unable to give an opinion on this question. A very high percentage of citizens correctly answering that some non-nuclear industries produce low-level radioactive waste was recorded in the Czech Republic (85%), Belgium (81%), Slovenia (80%) and Finland (78%). In Portugal, 20% of respondents do not believe that non-nuclear industries can engender low-level radioactive waste and a further 35% are unable to express a view. A high percentage of 'don't knows' was also recorded for this question in Lithuania (36%), Malta (36%), the United Kingdom (33%), Cyprus (33%) and Austria (33%).
Q 5 .3 . S o m e N o n- nuc le a r indus t rie s pro duc e lo w le v e l ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e C o rre c t a ns we r : " T rue "
True EU25 66%
False 12 %
DK 22%
CZ BE SI FI SE DK FR PL DE ES HU SK LU NL LV IT EE EL IE UK CY AT LT MT PT
85% 8 1% 80% 78% 73% 72% 72% 70% 67% 67% 67% 67% 66% 65% 63% 62% 6 1% 60% 59% 56% 55% 54% 53% 50% 45% 11% 11% 12 % 13 % 10 % 14 % 20% 11% 12 % 11% 15 % 13 % 16 % 8% 16 % 17 % 10 % 8% 10 % 12 % 15 %
8% 12 % 10 % 10 %
7% 7% 10 % 12 %
17 % 20% 18 % 17 % 18 % 25% 17 % 16 % 23% 23% 26% 23% 27% 24% 3 1% 33% 33% 33%
36% 36% 35%
0%
1 00%
- 18 -
Radioactive waste
The socio-demographic characteristics of citizens of the European Union influence the distribution of responses to this question. Men, respondents aged between 25 and 54, people with a higher educational level, managers and the self employed are more likely to be aware that some non-nuclear industries can produce low-level radioactive waste. Furthermore, a high percentage of citizens unable to respond is found among respondents aged 55 and over, those with lower educational levels, people who stay at home and the retired.
Q5.3. EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Respondent occupation scale Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Level of information Well informed Not well informed Support for nuclear energy In favour Opposed 72% 65% 12% 13% 16% 22% 74% 63% 12% 13% 14% 24% 73% 78% 69% 67% 58% 64% 59% 68% 11% 9% 12% 13% 12% 18% 11% 17% 16% 14% 18% 20% 31% 18% 30% 15% 53% 68% 76% 68% 13% 12% 9% 17% 33% 20% 15% 15% 64% 69% 71% 59% 18% 12% 11% 11% 18% 19% 18% 30% True 66% 70% 62% False 12% 12% 13% DK 22% 18% 26%
- 19 -
Radioactive waste
1.2.6. The production of radioactive waste by nuclear reactors A majority of respondents are mistaken as regards the production of high-level radioactive waste. 45% think that this type of waste is only produced by nuclear reactors. The correct answer was only given by 35% of respondents. Furthermore, 19% were unable to express an opinion. Hungary is the only country where more than half the citizens correctly believe that high-level radioactive waste is not solely produced by nuclear reactors (56%). Fewer than one interviewee in five in Lithuania (19%) and Austria (16%) gave the correct answer.
Q 5 .5 . H igh le v e l ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e is pro duc e d o nly in nuc le a r re a c t o rs C o rre c t a ns we r : " F a ls e " False EU25 35% True 45% DK 19 %
HU FR BE CZ IT FI SE PL EL SI UK MT CY SK ES LU EE DE IE PT LV DK NL LT AT 48% 4 1% 4 1% 40% 40% 38% 36% 35% 35% 34% 34% 33% 33% 32% 32% 30% 29% 29% 29% 29% 26% 24% 19 % 16 %
56% 33% 50% 52% 38% 5 1% 46% 50% 48% 55% 32% 25% 40% 56% 45% 49% 5 1% 62% 4 1% 35% 44% 50% 54% 57% 62%
37% 19 %
6%
9% 7% 22% 8% 16 % 14 % 17 % 10 % 34% 4 1% 27% 11% 23% 19 % 19 % 9% 30% 36% 27% 24% 22% 24% 22%
0%
1 00%
- 20 -
Radioactive waste
An analysis of this aspect by interviewees' socio-demographic variables provides the following information: Men are less likely to be unable to answer this question than women, although they more often give the wrong response. Young people aged between 15 and 24 years, and students seem most aware of the fact that high-level radioactive waste is not only produced by nuclear reactors. The more likely respondents are to live in an urban environment, the more they tend to know the right answer. In contrast to what had been noted previously, the level of knowledge of radioactive waste in general claimed by respondents had no influence on the percentage of correct answers. On the contrary, more citizens who think they are well-informed gave the wrong answer, whereas those who believe themselves to be ill-informed registered a higher rate of 'don't knows'. The level of support for nuclear energy in general does not seem to influence the distribution of responses in any significant fashion for this aspect.
Q5.5.
False 35% 37% 34% 44% 41% 37% 26% 27% 37% 38% 47% 33% 36% 37% 36% 36% 37% 36%
True 45% 48% 42% 39% 42% 47% 50% 46% 46% 47% 39% 47% 44% 44% 52% 44% 48% 46%
DK 19% 15% 23% 17% 18% 16% 24% 27% 17% 15% 14% 20% 19% 18% 12% 21% 15% 18%
EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Subjective urbanisation Rural village Small/ mid size town Large town Level of information Well informed Not well informed In favour Opposed
- 21 -
Radioactive waste
1.2.7. The quantity of radioactive waste Across the European Union, as many respondents gave the right answer (false) as the wrong answer (true) in response to the statement that radioactive waste is produced in similar quantities to other dangerous waste, i.e. 37%. However, 26% of interviewees were unable to give an opinion on this subject. More than six out of ten citizens know that radioactive waste is not produced in similar quantities to other dangerous waste in Sweden (64%), Finland (63%) and the Netherlands (62%). In contrast, more than six interviewees in ten (63%) answered this question incorrectly in Greece, and only 13% gave the right answer. Finally, the lowest level of right answers was recorded in Cyprus (7%), where 53% of interviewees gave the wrong answer and 41% gave none.
Q 5 .6 . R a dio a c t iv e wa s t e is pro duc e d in s im ila r qua nt it ie s t o o t he r da nge ro us wa s t e C o rre c t a ns we r : " F a ls e " False EU25 37% True 37% DK 26%
SE FI NL BE CZ DK SI DE HU EE IT AT LV SK PL LU LT UK FR ES IE PT MT EL CY
64% 63% 62% 55% 55% 53% 53% 46% 43% 42% 39% 37% 36% 35% 34% 29% 29% 27% 26% 25% 25% 2 1% 17 % 13 % 7% 53% 37% 48% 63% 42% 4 1% 37% 35% 3 1% 49% 3 1% 32% 47% 42% 30% 25% 39% 38%
14 % 20% 13 % 36% 29% 23% 35%
23% 17 % 25% 8% 16 % 23% 11% 17 % 27% 33% 23% 32% 32% 18 % 24% 34% 36% 42% 25% 33% 35% 42% 35% 24% 4 1%
0%
1 00%
- 22 -
Radioactive waste
From a socio-demographic point of view, more men rightly consider that radioactive waste is not produced in similar quantities to other dangerous waste. This is also the case for people having studied until the age of at least 20, students, managers, whitecollar workers, people living in large towns, people regarding themselves as wellinformed about radioactive waste in general and supporters of nuclear energy. There was also a higher percentage of 'don't know' responses among women, respondents aged 55 and over, respondents with a low level of education, people staying at home and the retired.
Q5.6. False True DK
EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Respondent occupation scale Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Subjective urbanisation Rural village Small/ mid size town Large town Level of information Well informed Not well informed Support for nuclear energy In favour Opposed
37% 41% 32% 42% 38% 40% 30% 26% 36% 46% 45% 41% 45% 44% 35% 27% 36% 30% 45% 35% 37% 38% 46% 34% 43% 35%
37% 36% 38% 39% 37% 36% 39% 42% 38% 32% 37% 36% 31% 34% 39% 39% 41% 39% 37% 38% 39% 35% 37% 38% 35% 40%
26% 22% 30% 20% 25% 24% 31% 33% 26% 22% 17% 23% 24% 22% 25% 34% 23% 31% 17% 27% 25% 26% 18% 28% 21% 25%
- 23 -
Radioactive waste
1.2.8. Average actual knowledge By way of conclusion to this section detailing the actual knowledge of European Union citizens regarding radioactive waste, a supplementary analysis of the average of the answers given for the seven statements in this quiz provides some additional information. Across the European Union, the average of right answers reached 53%, the average of wrong answers 29% and the average percentage of don't knows' is 18%. Citizens achieving the highest average of right answers are found in Sweden (65%), Belgium (64%), Slovenia (64%), Finland (62%), the Netherlands (61%) and the Czech Republic (60%). Conversely, respondents seemed on average to be less familiar with this subject in Cyprus (42% right answers), Malta (41%), Portugal (40%) and Lithuania (39%).
Q 5 . A V E R A G E O F A N S W E R S M E N T IO N E D A T T H E 7 IT E M S
Average of correct answers

EU25 53%
Average of wrong answers

29%
DK
18 %
SE BE SI FI NL CZ HU DK FR DE LU SK IT PL UK ES EL IE EE LV AT CY MT PT LT
0%
65% 64% 64% 62% 6 1% 60% 59% 58% 57% 55% 53% 53% 52% 52% 50% 49% 47% 46% 46% 46% 45% 42% 4 1% 40% 39% 3 1% 28% 29% 32% 28% 30% 30% 3 1% 2 1% 28% 35% 28% 35% 30% 33%
22% 29% 29% 27% 23% 3 1% 28% 24% 27% 33%
13 % 6% 7% 11% 16 % 10 % 13 % 18 % 17 % 11% 19 % 12 % 18 % 16 % 29% 23% 18 % 26% 24% 24% 23% 27% 3 1% 3 1% 28%
100 %
- 24 -
Radioactive waste
Analysed by socio-demographic variables: On average, men are more likely to give the right answers, while a higher proportion of women gave no response; Citizens aged 55 and over record a lower average of right answers, but a higher average of 'don't knows'; The higher the level of their education, the more citizens' average of right answers rises; The occupational category of managers seem the best informed on the subject of radioactive waste; while the average non-response rate is highest among persons staying at home full-time retired; Respondents living in an urban environment are generally more likely to give the right answer; Citizens who regard themselves as well-informed about radioactive waste demonstrated, on average, better actual knowledge of this subject. However, the rates of wrong responses appeared similar for citizens who say they are well-informed and those who believe themselves to be not well informed. The latter registered a higher average percentage of non-responses; Finally, citizens in favour of nuclear energy record a higher average of correct responses by comparison with opponents of this type of energy.
Q5. EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Respondent occupation scale Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Subjective urbanisation Rural village Small/ mid size town Large town Level of information Well informed Not well informed Support for nuclear energy In favour Opposed 59% 52% 28% 30% 13% 17% 61% 51% 29% 29% 11% 20% 52% 53% 55% 29% 29% 28% 19% 18% 17% 57% 62% 58% 54% 45% 53% 47% 58% 29% 25% 28% 29% 28% 30% 30% 29% 14% 13% 14% 17% 27% 17% 23% 13% 44% 54% 61% 58% 30% 29% 26% 29% 26% 17% 13% 13% 55% 56% 57% 47% 29% 27% 28% 30% 16% 16% 15% 23% Average of correct answers 53% 57% 50% Average of wrong answers 29% 29% 29% DK 18% 15% 21%
- 25 -
Radioactive waste
1.3. The level of support for nuclear energy The next three points in this report focus more particularly on the perception of nuclear energy by citizens of the European Union. We shall first see to what extent they support this type of energy, before analysing whether the problem of radioactive waste represents an argument for its opponents. Finally, we shall examine various opinions on the use of nuclear energy.
Questionnaire source: Q2 - A minority of interviewees in favour of nuclear energy Across the European Union, 37% of interviewees say that they are in favour of energy produced by nuclear power stations, while 55% are against it and 8% express no opinion.
Q 2 . A re yo u ... t o e ne rgy pro duc e d by nuc le a r po we r s t a t io ns ? % E U To tally in favo ur Fairly in favo ur Fairly o ppo sed To tally o ppo sed DK
7%
30%
3 1%
24%
8%
0%
100%
A detailed analysis of the percentage of supporters of this type of energy shows that only 7% of respondents are totally in favour, with 30% being 'fairly in favour'. Among opponents, 31% of the people interviewed say they are 'fairly opposed' to energy produced by nuclear power stations while 24% state that they are 'totally opposed'. There is thus stronger opposition from the citizens of the Union who here demonstrate a certain animosity towards nuclear energy.
- 26 -
Radioactive waste
Considerable differences of opinion emerged in different Member States regarding the energy produced by nuclear power stations. More than six out of ten citizens support this type of energy in Hungary (65%), Sweden (64%), the Czech Republic (61%) and Lithuania (60%). It should be noted that these countries follow a different nuclear policy. While Sweden proposes to abandon the nuclear route over the next forty years, the Czech Republic is undertaking the construction of two new reactors. Furthermore, a majority of respondents also said they were in favour of nuclear energy in Finland (58%), Slovakia (56%), France (52%), the Netherlands (52%) and Belgium (50%). However, opponents of nuclear energy represent a very large majority of the population, primarily in Austria where 88% of interviewees state that they are opposed to this type of energy, but also in Greece (86%), Cyprus (81%), Spain (71%), Ireland (70%), Poland (66%), Denmark (66%), Italy (66%) and Luxembourg (65%). It should be noted that Austria has adopted a law prohibiting the operation of nuclear power stations for the production of electricity, thus renouncing the use of nuclear energy. This country has also set itself the task of creating a nuclear energy free zone in central Europe. It is against this background that Austria is in favour of closing down the Russian-designed Czech power station at Temelin, situated only 60 km from its border, and where the opening of two new reactors is planned for 2015. Finally, in Portugal around a quarter of interviewees were unable to give their opinion on this question (26% of 'don't know' responses).
Q 2 . A re yo u t o t a lly in f a v o ur, f a irly in f a v o ur, f a irly o ppo s e d o r t o t a lly o ppo s e d t o e ne rgy pro duc e d by nuc le a r po we r s t a t io ns ?
In favour
EU25
Opposed
55%
DK
8%
37%
HU SE CZ LT FI SK FR NL BE UK SI EE LV DE LU IT DK PL PT MT ES IE CY EL AT
65% 64% 61% 60% 58% 56% 52% 52% 50% 44% 44% 40% 39% 38% 31% 30% 29% 26% 21% 17% 16% 13% 10% 9% 8% 0% 53% 62% 71% 70% 81% 86% 88% 50% 49% 59% 65% 66% 66% 66% 41% 54% 41% 44% 48% 27%
31% 33%
37% 13 %
5% 3%
38% 40%
4% 4% 7% 5%
15 % 3% 10 % 12 % 4% 4% 5% 5% 8% 26% 2 1% 13 % 17 % 10 % 5% 4%
1 00%
- 27 -
Radioactive waste
The map below illustrates the percentage of supporters of energy produced by nuclear power stations in the Member States.
Q2 Are you totally in favour, fairly in favour, fairly opposed or totally opposed to energy produced by nuclear power stations? Answers: In favour
Member States Results Hungary 65%

Sweden Czech Republic Lithuania Finland Slovakia France Belgium Slovenia Estonia Latvia Germany EU25 Luxembourg Italy Denmark Poland Portugal Malta Spain Ireland Cyprus Greece Austria 64% 61% 60% 58% 56% 52% 50% 44% 40% 39% 38% 37% 31% 30% 29% 26% 21% 17% 16% 13% 10% 9% 8%
The Netherlands 52% United Kingdom 44%
Legend
61% - 100% 41% - 60% 21% - 40% 0% - 20%
- 28 -
Radioactive waste
The socio-demographic characteristics of respondents play a certain role in their opinion regarding nuclear energy: Although 46% of men expressed a favourable opinion towards this type of energy, this was true of only 29% of women (a differential of 17 points); More citizens who nuclear energy; have had a shorter education tend to oppose
Citizens positioning themselves politically speaking on the right seem more likely to support nuclear energy, while supporters of the left tend to oppose it; More professionals or business managers support this type of energy, in contrast to people staying at home full-time; Citizens who are well-informed about radioactive waste appear more likely to support nuclear energy; Finally, respondents' age and place of residence do not play a determining role in their responses.
Q2.
In favour
Opposed
DK
EU25 Sex Male Female Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Left-Right scale (1-4) Left (5-6) Centre (7-10) Right Respondent occupation scale Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Level of information Well informed Not well informed
37% 46% 29% 28% 40% 43% 37% 34% 40% 49% 38% 49% 39% 37% 24% 33% 37% 37% 52% 32%
55% 49% 60% 60% 53% 53% 56% 61% 53% 46% 57% 48% 56% 55% 62% 58% 53% 56% 44% 59%
8% 5% 11% 12% 8% 4% 7% 5% 7% 5% 5% 3% 5% 8% 14% 9% 10% 7% 3% 9%
- 29 -
Radioactive waste
1.4. Perception of the problem of radioactive waste Questionnaire source: Q3 Opponents of nuclear energy were then asked to what extent they would be in favour of it if the problem of radioactive waste were resolved. - A majority of opponents of nuclear energy would not change their opinion if the issue of nuclear waste were resolved Fewer than four in ten of those opposed to energy produced by nuclear power stations would change their minds if the question of radioactive waste were to be resolved (38%). In parallel, 57% of citizens opposed to this type of energy would continue to hold this view even if the issue of waste were resolved. Nevertheless, the survey found a majority of opponents prepared to change their minds about this type of energy if a solution were found for radioactive waste in Belgium (58%), the Netherlands (58%), Sweden (51%), Lithuania (51%), Malta (51%), France (50%) and the United Kingdom (48%). Conversely, the resolution of the waste issue did not seem to have any influence on opponents of energy nuclear, most strikingly in Austria where 84% of opponents remain opposed, but also in Portugal (72%) and Cyprus (72%).
Q 3 . IF " O P P O S E D T O T H E E N E R G Y P R O D UC E D B Y N UC LE A R P O W E R S T A T IO N S " : A nd if t he is s ue o f ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e wa s s o lv e d, wo uld yo u t he n be t o e ne rgy pro duc e d by nuc le a r po we r s t a t io ns ?
In favour
EU25
Opposed
57%
DK
5%
38%
BE NL SE LT MT FR UK DE LU DK EE CZ PL EL SI LV SK FI ES IT HU CY IE PT AT
58% 58% 51% 51% 51% 50% 48% 41% 41% 40% 38% 36% 36% 34% 34% 33% 33% 32% 30% 30% 30% 25% 23% 21% 12% 0% 64% 72% 84% 58% 67% 67% 72% 34% 47% 46% 56% 57% 57% 58% 61% 57% 62% 63% 61% 64% 66%
44%
41% 38%
3% 5% 6% 16 % 3% 6% 3%
43%
3% 4% 3% 7% 4% 3% 6% 3%
12 % 4% 3% 3% 13 % 7% 3%
1 00%
- 30 -
Radioactive waste
From a socio-demographic point of view: Men and women opposed to nuclear energy would react in a similar fashion if the problems of radioactive waste were resolved; More young people opposed to this type energy would adopt a favourable attitude to it if the waste issue were resolved. Opponents with a lower educational level would remain opposed even if the obstacle of waste were removed; Slightly more residents of large cities would adopt a more positive attitude to this type of energy if the issue of radioactive waste were resolved; More opponents who are well-informed about the waste issue in general responded similarly; Finally, the political leanings of opponents of energy produced by nuclear power stations do not appear to influence the distribution of responses.
Q3. In favour Opposed DK
EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Left-Right scale (1-4) Left (5-6) Centre (7-10) Right Subjective urbanisation Rural village Small/ mid size town Large town Level of information Well informed Not well informed
38% 37% 38% 46% 39% 36% 34% 30% 40% 40% 47% 38% 40% 39% 37% 37% 40% 43% 36%
57% 58% 56% 49% 57% 59% 60% 63% 55% 56% 49% 58% 55% 58% 57% 59% 55% 54% 58%
5% 5% 6% 5% 4% 5% 7% 7% 5% 4% 4% 4% 5% 3% 6% 5% 6% 3% 6%
- 31 -
Radioactive waste
1.5. Opinions of nuclear energy Questionnaire source: Q4 Let us now turn to the opinion of European Union citizens regarding three statements about nuclear energy. 1.5.1. The diversification of energy sources Across the European Union, more than six out of ten respondents agree with the statement that the use of nuclear energy enables European countries to diversify their energy sources (62%). In Hungary, the level of agreement with this principle reached 80%. Furthermore, more than three-quarters of citizens also expressed agreement with this statement in the Czech Republic (79%), the Netherlands (77%), Sweden (77%) and Slovakia (76%). Conversely, more than half of all respondents in Austria did not agree that nuclear energy brought the possibility of diversifying energy sources (56%).
Q 4 .1. T he us e o f nuc le a r e ne rgy e na ble s E uro pe a n c o unt rie s t o div e rs if y t he ir e ne rgy s o urc e s
Agree
EU25 62%
Disagree
23%
DK
14 %
HU CZ NL SE SK BE DK LT FR EE SI FI PL DE LV PT UK IT ES LU EL IE MT CY AT
0%
80% 79% 77% 77% 76% 74% 72% 69% 69% 68% 68% 66% 65% 63% 62% 57% 57% 56% 53% 5 1% 5 1% 4 1% 40% 39% 36% 24% 27% 29% 56% 27% 35% 33% 20% 35% 18 % 16 % 32% 20% 20% 29% 13 % 19 % 19 % 28% 29%
14 % 16 % 16 % 18 % 19 % 22% 20% 18 % 12 % 13 %
6% 5% 7% 5% 5% 4% 8%
4% 5% 14 % 8% 18 % 25% 27% 11% 26% 14 % 22%
32% 8%
100 %
- 32 -
Radioactive waste
1.5.2. Dependence on oil 61% of citizens of the European Union believe that we could reduce our dependence on oil if we were to use more nuclear energy, and 27% disagree. In Sweden, 85% of the population agree with this statement. Elsewhere, 75% of respondents agreed with the statement in Hungary, 74% in Denmark, 72% in the Netherlands and 71% in Finland. As was observed in the case of the diversification of energy sources through the use of nuclear energy, a majority of people interviewed in Austria did not agree that the increased use of nuclear energy would enable us to reduce dependency on oil (58%). A majority took the same view in Luxembourg (45%) and Greece (44%.
Q 4 .2 . W e c o uld re duc e o ur de pe nde nc e o n o il if we us e m o re nuc le a r e ne rgy
Agree
EU25 6 1%
Disagree
27%
DK
12 %
SE HU DK NL FI BE UK DE SK FR EE CZ SI PL LT IT PT IE ES MT LV LU CY EL AT
0%
85% 75% 74% 72% 7 1% 69% 66% 64% 64% 64% 6 1% 60% 60% 60% 59% 56% 54% 49% 48% 47% 46% 44% 42% 39% 34% 33% 44% 58% 19 % 25% 29% 29% 35% 45% 25% 25% 22% 34% 26% 27% 16 % 30% 28% 25% 26% 32% 34% 18 % 19 % 2 1% 24% 28%
12 %
3% 6% 7% 6% 5% 3%
18 % 6% 8% 11% 13 % 8% 6% 15 % 19 % 10 %
23% 24% 20% 12 %
17 % 8%
100 %
- 33 -
Radioactive waste
1.5.3. The emission of greenhouse gases The third statement submitted to respondents was as follows: 'An advantage of nuclear power is that it produces less greenhouse gas emissions than other energy sources such as oil or coal' This question had been asked towards the end of 2001, but the example of oil or coal was not included in the wording. In early 2005, 62% of citizens of the European Union agreed with the statement that nuclear power is advantageous in terms of producing less greenhouse gas emissions. This represents a 21 point rise on the rate of agreement measured in late 2001. Furthermore, the percentage of respondents who did not agree with this principle registered a slight fall (-2 points). The considerable rise in the agreement rate thus mainly represents the fall in the percentage of interviewees who were unable to give an answer about this aspect four years ago, and who were now expressing an opinion (non-response rate down by 19 points). It may be presumed that this increased willingness to take up a position is in part due to the precision provided in 2005 by the wording of the question, which then gave two examples of energy producing significant greenhouse gas emissions, i.e. oil and coal. On the other hand, the media coverage of the Kyoto Agreement, the international agreement aimed at reducing countries' greenhouse gas emissions, and its implementation since the start of 2005, may also have played a part.
Q 4 .3 . A n a dv a nt a ge o f nuc le a r po we r is t ha t it pro duc e s le s s gre e nho us e ga s e m is s io ns t ha n o t he r e ne rgy s o urc e s s uc h a s o il o r c o a l - % E U EB 56.2: 10-11/2001 62% A gree 4 1% 19 % Disagree 2 1% 19 % DK 38% EB 63.2: 02/2005
- 34 -
Radioactive waste
In 2005, the advantage of nuclear energy by comparison with others types of energy discharging more greenhouses gases seemed to be most recognised in Sweden. Almost nine out of ten respondents in that country are aware of this advantage (87%). Furthermore, more than three-quarters of respondents answered in the same way in Finland (79%), the Czech Republic (77%) and Belgium (76%). Turning to those less convinced of this advantage of nuclear energy, Austrians once again expressed their reluctance, with a majority of respondents in this country (44%) disagreeing with this statement. Finally, more than a third of people interviewed were unable to give an opinion on this question in Ireland (38%), Portugal (35%), Cyprus (32%) and Spain (32%).
Q 4 .3 . A n a dv a nt a ge o f nuc le a r po we r is t ha t it pro duc e s le s s gre e nho us e ga s e m is s io ns t ha n o t he r e ne rgy s o urc e s s uc h a s o il o r c o a l
Agree
EU25 62%
Disagree
19 %
DK
19 %
SE FI CZ BE NL HU DE SI DK SK EE LT FR PL UK LV LU MT IT CY ES PT AT EL IE
0%
87% 79% 77% 76% 74% 72% 72% 7 1% 70% 69% 66% 66% 65% 64% 62% 56% 54% 54% 53% 48% 45% 4 1% 4 1% 40% 40% 22% 29% 38% 20% 22% 24% 44% 30% 17 % 3 1% 32% 32% 35% 11% 20% 28% 29% 15 % 12 % 13 % 19 % 13 % 20% 11% 13 % 19 % 19 % 13 % 15 % 16 %
5%
8% 7% 8% 8% 15 % 14 % 9% 10 %
18 % 11% 19 % 22% 22% 17 % 27% 24% 18 %
17 %
15 %
100 %
- 35 -
Radioactive waste
The socio-demographic analysis of levels of agreement with these three statements (1.5.1, 1.5.2, 1.5.3) reveals the following: More men seemed to agree with the three propositions studied here; Although the possibility of diversifying energy sources through the use of nuclear energy appears to be recognised less by respondents aged 55 and over, the reduced greenhouse gas emissions from this type of energy seems less widely acknowledged by young people aged between 15 and 24 years; The higher the educational level of the interviewees, the more they agreed with the three statements; Generally speaking, citizens positioning themselves on the right politically also agreed with the statements; while supporters of the left showed themselves to be more reluctant to agree with the three principles set out in this question; A higher level of agreement was obtained among managers and conversely, a lower percentage among people staying at home; The level of agreement among people living in large towns was slightly higher than among rural dwellers. Citizens regarding themselves as well-informed about radioactive waste in general are more likely to agree that nuclear energy has these three advantages the diversification of energy sources, less dependence on oil and lesser greenhouse gas emissions; Finally, the greatest divergence of opinion about these three statements appears, logically enough, between those supporting nuclear energy and its opponents. While supporters of this type of energy broadly express their approval of these three principles (at rates varying between 82% and 87%), opponents take a more cautious position. It should be noted, however, that a significant proportion of opponents also agreed with these three statements (varying between 49% and 52%).
The table on the following page shows the percentages of agreement obtained for each of the three statements by socio-demographic category.
- 36 -
Radioactive waste
Q4. % Agree
An advantage of nuclear The use of nuclear power is that it produces We could reduce our energy enables European less greenhouse gas dependence on oil if we countries to diversify emissions than other use more nuclear energy their energy sources energy sources such as oil or coal
EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Left-Right scale (1-4) Left (5-6) Centre (7-10) Right Respondent occupation scale Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Subjective urbanisation Rural village Small/ mid size town Large town Level of information Well informed Not well informed Support for nuclear energy In favour Opposed
62% 68% 57% 63% 65% 64% 59% 52% 65% 69% 65% 62% 65% 71% 66% 71% 67% 61% 50% 61% 61% 65% 61% 63% 64% 74% 59% 87% 50%
61% 66% 56% 60% 62% 62% 60% 52% 62% 68% 63% 59% 64% 70% 61% 71% 63% 61% 49% 59% 61% 63% 61% 61% 62% 70% 59% 82% 49%
62% 69% 56% 59% 63% 64% 61% 51% 64% 71% 65% 63% 65% 69% 65% 73% 64% 61% 48% 57% 62% 65% 62% 62% 64% 77% 58% 83% 52%
- 37 -
Radioactive waste
2. The perception of the risk of radioactive waste

In this section, we shall first see how citizens of the European Union perceive the risks associated with the transport and storage of radioactive waste. We shall then analyse their fears regarding the possible construction of a disposal site in their neighbourhood, before considering what role they would wish to play in decisionmaking regarding the construction of such a site. 2.1. Transport Questionnaire source: Q7 - Seven out of ten people believe the transport of low-level radioactive waste presents a risk A vast majority of the people interviewed believe that transporting low-level radioactive waste carries risks (71%). Among these, 42% state that transporting this type of waste represents a high risk and 29% even state that it represents a very high risk. Furthermore, while nearly a quarter of respondents see a low risk in this type of transport (23%), only 2% of respondents believe that the transport of low-level radioactive waste represents no risk at all.
Q 7 . D o yo u t hink t ha t t he t ra ns po rt o f lo w le v e l ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e is s o m e t hing t ha t re pre s e nt s ? A very high risk A fairly high risk A lo w risk N o risk at all DK
29%
42%
23%
2%3%
0%
100%
- 38 -
Radioactive waste
Although a vast majority of citizens of the European Union acknowledge a major risk in the transport of low-level radioactive waste, nevertheless some divergences of opinion between the Member States are observed. The citizens who seem to fear this type of transport most live in Greece, Ireland and Austria. In these three countries, (more than) one out of two respondents stated that the transport of this type of waste represents a very high risk. The opinion of the risk involved when transporting low-level radioactive waste appears to be more qualified in other countries. This is the case in Belgium where a proportion of 23% of respondents perceive a very high risk, 36% a high risk and 37% a low risk, Sweden (18%, 41%, 37%), Denmark (16%, 37%, 37%) and the Netherlands (15%, 38%, 41%). Finally, the response 'presents no risk at all' was given by a very low percentage of respondents across all 25 Member States.
Q7. Do y ou think that the tra nsport of low le v e l radioa ctiv e wa ste is som e thing that re pre se nts ? A very high risk
EU25
A fairly high risk

42%
A low risk
No risk at all
23%
DK
3%
29%
EL IE AT CY LV HU IT PT PL LU ES SI MT LT FI CZ EE BE DE FR UK SK SE DK NL
55% 53% 50% 46% 46% 38% 37% 36% 36% 35% 34% 34% 33% 30% 28% 28% 24% 23% 23% 23% 23% 21% 18% 16% 15% 0% 37% 38% 41% 36% 39% 43% 41% 50% 38% 34% 46% 44% 39% 42% 36% 46% 40% 46% 45% 48% 34% 42%
35% 30%
34% 15 % 11%
7%
3% 5% 3% 4%
12 %
7% 18 % 12 % 10 % 13 % 25% 12 % 25% 19 % 17 % 23% 29% 26% 37% 33% 28% 29% 24% 37% 37% 4 1% 13 %
4%
4% 8%
7%
5%
6%
6%
7% 3%
1 00%
- 39 -
Radioactive waste
The perception of risk in the transport of low-level radioactive waste varies in accordance with the socio-demographic characteristics of the people interviewed: Women seem more afraid of the transport of low-level radioactive waste than men; All age categories respond in a fairly similar way regarding their perception of these risks, although more older people regard the transport of this type of waste as very risky; Respondents who had studied until a maximum age of 15 seem more likely to perceive a very high risk whereas those who studied until at least the age of 20 years are more likely to see a low risk; More citizens positioning themselves on the left politically speaking expressed a more pronounced fear in relation to this type of transport, as did people staying at home full-time; Citizens considering themselves to be well-informed about radioactive waste are more likely to consider the risk of such transport to be low; Finally, supporters of nuclear energy feared the transport of low-level radioactive waste less than its opponents.
A very high risk 29% 26% 32% 26% 29% 29% 31% 36% 29% 23% 25% 30% 27% 25% 26% 21% 29% 30% 36% 29% 31% 25% 23% 31% 17% 38% A fairly high risk 42% 40% 44% 46% 43% 42% 39% 39% 43% 42% 48% 41% 43% 41% 42% 39% 42% 42% 42% 46% 40% 48% 40% 43% 40% 44% A low risk 23% 29% 18% 22% 24% 25% 22% 17% 23% 31% 22% 24% 25% 29% 28% 35% 25% 23% 14% 20% 21% 22% 32% 21% 37% 15% No risk at all 2% 3% 1% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 1% 2% 3% 2% 3% 2% 2% 1% 2% 2% 2% 3% 2% 4% 1% DK 3% 2% 5% 4% 2% 2% 5% 6% 3% 2% 3% 3% 2% 2% 2% 2% 3% 3% 6% 4% 5% 3% 2% 4% 2% 2%
Q7. EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Left-Right scale (1-4) Left (5-6) Centre (7-10) Right Respondent occupation scale Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Level of information Well informed Not well informed Support for nuclear energy In favour Opposed
- 40 -
Radioactive waste
2.2. Storage Questionnaire source: Q6 - Three-quarters of citizens of the Union consider that the storage of low-level radioactive waste presents a risk Citizens of the European Union perceive the risks associated with the storage of lowlevel radioactive waste in a similar way to those associated with its transport. Thus, a majority of respondents believe that this storage represents a high risk (44%, the result being 42% for transport) and 30% a very high risk (29% for transport). One citizen in five perceives a low risk in the storage of this type of waste (21%, 23% for transport). More than one in two respondents stated that the storage of low-level radioactive waste represents a very high risk in Greece (56%), Austria (52%) and Cyprus (50%). On the other hand, this risk is perceived as being much lower, in Sweden primarily where 40% of citizens think that the storage of this type of waste carries a low risk. More than a third of respondents also gave this answer in Denmark (37%), the Netherlands (36%), Belgium (35%) and the United Kingdom (33%).
Q6. Do y ou think that the stora ge of low le v e l radioactiv e waste is some thing that re pre se nts ? A very high risk
EU25
A fairly high risk
A low risk
44%
No risk at all
2 1%
DK
4%
30%
EL AT CY IE LV PL HU IT LU MT PT LT ES SI CZ DE EE SK FR FI BE UK NL DK SE
56% 52% 50% 48% 44% 40% 39% 38% 36% 36% 35% 35% 33% 32% 29% 27% 25% 25% 24% 24% 21% 19% 15% 14% 13% 0% 41% 40% 45% 41% 42% 39% 33% 44% 48% 48% 43% 42% 44% 47% 54% 49% 46% 39% 47%
28%
34% 34%
18 % 12 %
8% 10 %
2% 3% 4% 6%
33% 44% 46%
8% 11% 17 % 10 % 2 1% 20% 11% 13 % 11% 23% 25% 27% 22% 19 % 23% 26% 35% 33% 36% 37% 40% 10 % 10 %
4% 2% 2% 4% 1%
4% 7% 1% 2% 2% 5% 2% 3% 2% 1% 7% 3% 7% 4%
1 00%
Analysis of this question by socio-demographic variables reveals the same observations as those described above for the risks of the transport of low-level radioactive waste.
- 41 -
Radioactive waste
2.3. Fears regarding the construction of a disposal site Questionnaire source: Q13 In order to measure European citizens' fears regarding the disposal of radioactive waste with more precision, they were asked what aspect, in the event of the construction of an underground disposal site for radioactive waste near their home, worried them most. - The effects of radioactive waste on the environment and health represent the main concern for Europeans Across the European Union, the main fear expressed regarding the hypothetical construction of an underground disposal site for radioactive waste near their home is the possible impact on the environment and health, a concern mentioned by 53% of citizens of the European Union. Next, 28% of respondents feared the risks of radioactive leaks when the site is in operation. The other responses came a long way behind. 7% of interviewees are worried about the transport of waste to the disposal site, 4% feared a possible terrorist attack and finally 3% were worried about a major drop in local property prices.
Q 13 . If a de e p unde rgro und dis po s a l s it e f o r ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e we re t o be built ne a r yo ur ho m e , wha t wo uld wo rry yo u m o s t ? % E U N o ne o f these; 2% A m ajo r dro p in lo cal pro perty prices; 3% The risks due to a terro rist attack; 4% Transpo rt o f waste to the dispo sal site; 7% Other; 1% DK; 2%
The po ssible effects o n the enviro nm ent and health; 53%
The risks o f radio active leaks while the site is in o peratio n; 28%
The same type of question had already been asked in late 2001, but since the possible responses were considerably modified between the two surveys, a comparative analysis of the results is difficult. However, it can be noted that in 2001, the principle concerns were the same as in 2005, namely the possible impact on health and the environment in hundreds or thousands of years (38%) and the risk of radioactive leaks when the site is in operation (39%). The risks in transporting waste to the disposal site concerned 11% of people interviewed at the time.
- 42 -
Radioactive waste
The majority of respondents in all Member States mentioned the possible impact on the environment and health as their main worry, with the exception of Slovakia where a narrow majority of respondents were more concerned about the risk of leaks when the site is in operation. The risks to health and environment posed by such a site close to them most worried citizens in Cyprus (70%), Lithuania (69%), Malta (68%), Greece (66%), Finland (61%) and Slovenia (61%). As has been mentioned, a majority of Slovaks were anxious about the risk of leaks (44%). In France more than a third of respondents answered similarly (36%). The citizens most worried about the transport of waste to this underground disposal site are predominantly in Sweden (24%) and to a lesser extent in Finland (15%). The risk of a terrorist attack is of slightly less concern for the Danes (7%), Swedes (7%) and Germans (6%). Finally, respondents in Sweden (8%), the Netherlands (7%) and Finland (7%) are slightly more concerned than their neighbours about a major drop in property prices in their area.
The risks of radioactive leaks while the site is in operation
Q13.
The possible effects on the environment and health
Transport of waste to the disposal site
The risks due to a terrorist attack
A major drop in local property prices
None of these (SPONTANEOUS)
Other (SPONTANEOUS)
DK
EU25 BE DK DE EL ES FR IE IT LU NL AT PT FI SE UK CY CZ EE HU LV LT MT PL SK SI
53% 55% 43% 58% 66% 49% 49% 42% 53% 52% 45% 54% 56% 61% 41% 48% 70% 52% 60% 56% 60% 69% 68% 58% 41% 61%
28% 31% 30% 22% 27% 30% 36% 31% 25% 31% 29% 25% 24% 12% 18% 27% 25% 30% 25% 26% 28% 18% 17% 30% 44% 31%
7% 7% 11% 8% 2% 8% 6% 9% 7% 6% 10% 8% 7% 15% 24% 8% 2% 6% 6% 8% 5% 3% 6% 5% 6% 3%
4% 2% 7% 6% 1% 2% 3% 5% 5% 3% 5% 4% 1% 4% 7% 4% 1% 5% 2% 4% 1% 2% 1% 3% 4% 2%
3% 3% 4% 3% 1% 0% 3% 3% 3% 2% 7% 2% 1% 7% 8% 6% 0% 4% 1% 3% 1% 1% 5% 1% 2% 1%
2% 1% 1% 3% 3% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 5% 3% 2% 2% 2% 1% 2% 1% 2% 2% 3% 2% 2% 1% 1%
1% 0% 0% 0% 1% 1% 1% 5% 1% 1% 0% 1% 0% 0% 1% 1% 1% 0% 1% 0% 1% 1% 0% 0% 0%
2% 1% 4% 0% 0% 7% 1% 4% 3% 3% 1% 2% 9% 1% 0% 2% 0% 1% 3% 1% 2% 3% 2% 1% 2% 0%
- 43 -
Radioactive waste
When analysed in terms of interviewees' socio-demographic characteristics: More women seemed concerned by the possible impact on the environment and health of the construction of such a site (differential of 9 points by comparison with men). Slightly more men worry about the risk from leaks and the transport of waste to the disposal site. Respondents aged 55 and over seem to fear the possible impact of underground disposal on the environment and health less, in contrast to students who are the most concerned by this question. A slightly higher percentage of citizens positioning themselves in the centre politically speaking are also concerned about the environmental and health consequences. Interviewees living in a small or averaged sized town are also more worried about this impact, whereas those living in large towns are slightly more concerned about the risk of leaks. Respondents who considered themselves to be not well informed about radioactive waste are more likely to fear the effects of an underground disposal on the environment and health (+9 points by comparison with well-informed respondents). Furthermore, a higher proportion of people who regard themselves as well-informed are concerned about the transport of waste to the site (+6 points by comparison with ill-informed respondents) and to a lesser degree a terrorist attack (+3 points). Finally, opponents of nuclear energy seem more worried about the impact on the environment and health of such a site than its supporters (+11 points). Furthermore, the supporters of nuclear energy seem more fearful than its opponents regarding the transport of waste to a disposal site (+4 points).
The table on the following page presents the responses given by socio-demographic variables of citizens of the European Union.
- 44 -
Radioactive waste
Main fears of citizens regarding the construction of a disposal site for radioactive waste near their home by socio-demographic variables
Q13.
The possible effects on the environment and health
The risks of radioactive leaks while the site is in operation
Transport of waste to the disposal site
The risks due to a terrorist attack
A major drop in local property prices
Other (SPONTANEOUS)
DK
EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Left-Right scale (1-4) Left (5-6) Centre (7-10) Right Subjective urbanisation Rural village Small/ mid size town Large town Level of information Well informed Not well informed In favour Opposed
53% 48% 57% 55% 55% 55% 48% 49% 53% 53% 58% 53% 55% 48% 52% 54% 52% 46% 55% 47% 58%
28% 29% 26% 29% 28% 26% 28% 27% 28% 27% 29% 28% 27% 28% 27% 27% 29% 28% 28% 29% 27%
7% 9% 6% 7% 7% 8% 8% 8% 7% 9% 6% 8% 7% 9% 8% 7% 7% 12% 6% 10% 6%
4% 4% 3% 3% 4% 3% 5% 4% 4% 4% 3% 4% 4% 5% 4% 4% 4% 6% 3% 5% 3%
3% 4% 2% 2% 3% 3% 4% 2% 3% 4% 2% 3% 3% 5% 3% 3% 3% 4% 3% 5% 2%
2% 3% 2% 2% 1% 2% 3% 3% 2% 1% 1% 2% 2% 3% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2%
1% 1% 1% 0% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 0% 1% 0% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 0% 1%
2% 2% 3% 2% 1% 1% 4% 5% 1% 1% 1% 2% 1% 1% 2% 2% 2% 1% 2% 1% 2%
- 45 -
Radioactive waste
2.4. Involvement of citizens in the construction of such a site Questionnaire source: Q14 Now let us consider the attitudes taken by European Union citizens in terms of their involvement in the hypothetical construction of an underground disposal site for radioactive waste near their home. - Six out of ten respondents would want to give their opinion Across the European Union, a majority of citizens would want to be consulted and to play a part in taking the decision in the hypothetical construction of an underground disposal site for radioactive waste near their home (59%). This result reveals the willingness of citizens to take part in the decision-making process in this domain. Furthermore, 22% of respondents would wish local non-governmental organisations to take part in the consultation and decision-making process in this area. Finally, 13% of people interviewed would leave it to the responsible authorities to decide on this matter.
Q 14 . T hink ing a bo ut t he hypo t he t ic c o ns t ruc t io n o f a n unde rgro und dis po s a l s it e f o r ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e ne a r yo ur ho m e , wit h whic h o f t he f o llo wing yo u a gre e t he m o s t ? % E U N o ne o f these (SP ON TA N EOUS); 4%
D K; 2%
I wo uld leave the respo nsible autho rities to decide o n this m atter; 13%
I wo uld like lo cal no ngo vernm ental o rganizatio ns to be co nsulted and to participate in the decisio n m aking pro cess; 22%
I wo uld like to be directly co nsulted and to participate in the decisio n m aking pro cess; 59%
Indirectly, a certain lack of trust can be perceived here on the part of European Union citizens towards the authorities responsible in this matter. A total of 81% of them would prefer either to take part themselves in the negotiations or for local NGOs to do so. They therefore advocate the more active participation of society alongside the responsible authorities in the consultation and decision-making process as regards the disposal of radioactive waste.
- 46 -
Radioactive waste
The Spanish are the mostly likely to call for an opportunity to participate in the consultation and decision-making process as regards the disposal of radioactive waste near their homes (74%). Two-thirds of Germans and Poles gave the same response (respectively 66% and 65%) along with 63% of Greeks, 62% of Austrians and 61% of Cypriots. Conversely, only 39% of Lithuanians would wish to give their opinions in this domain. Almost three out of ten citizens would prefer local NGOs to take part in the debate in the Netherlands (29%), Sweden (29%), the United Kingdom (29%), Finland (28%) and the Czech Republic (28%). A third of respondents in Latvia trust the responsible authorities in this matter and state that they prefer to leave them to take the decisions (32%). This is also the case for a quarter of respondents in Estonia (26%), the Czech Republic (25%), Lithuania (25%) and Slovakia (25%). Finally, we note that 9% of citizens in Portugal do not know what attitude they would adopt if such a site were constructed near their homes.
I would like local nongovernmental organizations to be consulted and to participate in the decision making process 22% 25% 24% 19% 21% 10% 26% 22% 27% 20% 29% 16% 16% 28% 29% 29% 21% 28% 21% 23% 14% 21% 19% 14% 21% 23%
Q14.
I would like to be directly consulted and to participate in the decision making process 59% 56% 54% 66% 63% 74% 53% 57% 52% 59% 57% 62% 54% 51% 53% 55% 61% 42% 43% 55% 44% 39% 58% 65% 46% 54%
I would leave the responsible authorities to decide on this matter 13% 14% 18% 10% 8% 9% 17% 9% 12% 12% 10% 8% 15% 19% 16% 12% 9% 25% 26% 16% 32% 25% 13% 17% 25% 16%
DK
4% 4% 1% 4% 7% 3% 3% 5% 6% 6% 1% 10% 6% 1% 2% 1% 7% 3% 5% 5% 6% 7% 9% 2% 7% 6%
2% 0% 3% 1% 1% 5% 1% 7% 4% 2% 2% 4% 9% 1% 1% 3% 2% 2% 5% 1% 4% 7% 2% 3% 2% 1%
- 47 -
Radioactive waste
As regards the involvement of citizens in relation to their socio-demographic characteristics, gender, place of residence and the level of information about radioactive waste do not significantly influence the distribution of responses here. More respondents aged between 25 and 54 would wish either to take part in the debate themselves or to see local NGOs doing so; whereas the oldest group (55 and over) and the youngest (15-24 years) would rely slightly more on the responsible authorities. While people with the highest educational level would prefer to take part in the negotiations or for local NGOs to do so, citizens with a low educational level would be more willing to leave the decision to the responsible authorities. A slightly higher percentage of respondents positioning themselves in the centre politically speaking would wish to take part in the debate, while left supporters are more likely to trust the local NGO and those on the right the responsible authorities. More opponents of nuclear energy wish to participate actively in the consultation and decision-making process while those supporting this type of energy would prefer to turn to local NGOs or to the responsible authorities.
Q14.
I would like to be directly consulted and to participate in the decision making process 59% 58% 62% 62% 53% 56% 59% 60% 61% 59% 61% 55% 56% 62%
I would like local non-governmental organizations to be consulted and to participate in the decision making process 22% 21% 23% 23% 21% 19% 22% 26% 22% 25% 22% 23% 26% 21%
I would leave the responsible authorities to decide on this matter 13% 15% 11% 11% 16% 15% 13% 11% 14% 10% 13% 16% 15% 11%
DK
EU25 Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Left-Right scale (1-4) Left (5-6) Centre (7-10) Right Support for nuclear energy In favour Opposed
4% 3% 3% 3% 5% 5% 4% 2% 2% 4% 3% 3% 2% 4%
2% 2% 1% 1% 4% 5% 2% 1% 1% 2% 1% 2% 1% 2%
- 48 -
Radioactive waste
3. The management of radioactive waste

This part of the report considers the actual management of radioactive waste. We shall first analyse the opinion of citizens of the European Union regarding uncontaminated recycled materials coming from the nuclear industries. As in other industrial activities, the nuclear industry may wish to recycle uncontaminated materials (construction materials, scrap metals, etc.), rather than disposing of them as waste. We will measure the actual knowledge of our interviewees on the subject of how their country manages this type of waste, using a true/false quiz consisting of five statements. Finally, we shall what sources of information are most trusted by citizens of the European Union in this domain. 3.1. The general opinion of recycling uncontaminated materials Questionnaire source: Q8 Let us first of all consider to what extent the interviewees believe that uncontaminated recycled material coming from the nuclear industry could be used for any purpose. - Opinions are divided on the use of recycled materials coming from the nuclear industry Citizens of the European Union express varied opinions on this subject. However, a slight majority of citizens consider that this type of material can be used for any purpose (47%). In parallel, 43% of respondents think the opposite and 10% are unable to answer.
Q 8 . D o yo u t hink re c yc le d no n- c o nt a m ina t e d m a t e ria ls c o m ing f ro m nuc le a r indus t ry c a n be us e d f o r a ny purpo s e ? % E U Yes, certainly Yes, pro bably N o , pro bably no t No , certainly no t DK
14 %
33%
23%
2 1%
10 %
0%
100%
A more detailed analysis of responses to this question shows us that, among citizens supporting recycling, 14% answer yes, certainly and 33% yes, probably. Furthermore, an equivalent percentage of opponents express their objection in a more or less certain fashion (23% of no, probably not' responses and 21% no, certainly not responses). Opposition is thus expressed more strongly than approval.
- 49 -
Radioactive waste
In Sweden, more than eight out of ten respondents are in favour of the use of uncontaminated recycled materials coming from the nuclear industry (82%). They are followed by citizens in Malta (65%), the United Kingdom (63%), the Netherlands (58%) and Germany (58%). The strongest opposition to the use of this type of materials is recorded in Greece where almost two-thirds of the population think that these materials cannot be used for any purpose (65%). Strong objections are also expressed in the Czech Republic (57%), Estonia (56%), Italy (56%), Hungary (55%) and Austria (55%). Finally, 22% of people interviewed were unable to give an opinion on this question in Ireland. This figure was 20% in Malta and Portugal.
Q 8 . D o yo u t hink re c yc le d no n- c o nt a m ina t e d m a t e ria ls c o m ing f ro m nuc le a r indus t ry c a n be us e d f o r a ny purpo s e ?
Yes
EU25 47%
No
43%
DK
10 %
SE MT UK NL DE LT DK FI SI BE CY SK FR LU ES IE LV PT PL CZ HU EE IT AT EL
0%
82% 65% 63% 58% 58% 55% 52% 52% 50% 47% 44% 44% 43% 40% 40% 40% 40% 39% 38% 37% 34% 34% 34% 32% 29% 4 1% 5 1% 57% 55% 56% 56% 55% 65% 44% 48% 48% 48% 42% 38% 49% 44% 5 1% 27% 38% 46% 15 % 27% 37% 36%
14 % 20% 10 %
4%
5% 6% 18 % 10 %
7%
12 % 7% 9% 12 % 18 % 22% 11% 20% 11% 6% 10 % 10 % 10 % 13 % 6%

100 %
- 50 -
Radioactive waste
The map below shows a graphic representation of supporters of the use of recycled uncontaminated materials coming from nuclear industry for any purpose.
Q8 Do you think recycled non-contaminated materials coming from nuclear industry can be used for any purpose? Answers: Yes
Member States Results 82% Sweden

Malta Germany Lithuania Denmark Finland Slovenia EU25 Belgium Cyprus Slovakia France Spain Ireland Luxembourg Latvia Portugal Poland Czech Republic Italy Estonia Hungary Austria Greece 65% 58% 55% 52% 52% 50% 47% 47% 44% 44% 43% 40% 40% 40% 40% 39% 38% 37% 34% 34% 34% 32% 29% United Kingdom 63% The Netherlands 58%
Legend
71% - 100% 61% - 70% 51% - 60% 41% - 50% 0% - 40%
- 51 -
Radioactive waste
When analysed in terms of interviewees' socio-demographic characteristics: More men approved of the use of uncontaminated recycled materials coming from the nuclear industry for any purpose, while women are more likely to express no opinion on this subject. Citizens aged less than 40 years also seem in favour of the recycling of this type of materials. The longer respondents have remained in education, the more likely they are to support the use of uncontaminated recycled materials. Professionals or business managers are more likely to support this recycling, while people who stay at home are more likely not have a view on this subject. More citizens among those who consider themselves well-informed about nuclear waste in general are in favour of the use of uncontaminated recycled materials coming from the nuclear industry. Finally, supporters of nuclear energy tend, logically enough, to adopt the same attitude to this principle.
Q8. EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Respondent occupation scale Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Level of information Well informed Not well informed Support for nuclear energy In favour Opposed
Yes 47% 52% 43% 50% 51% 46% 43% 39% 48% 54% 51% 50% 60% 47% 48% 38% 46% 42% 51% 59% 43% 61% 40%
No 43% 41% 45% 43% 42% 45% 43% 46% 44% 39% 43% 42% 34% 45% 45% 44% 45% 45% 43% 35% 46% 34% 51%
DK 10% 7% 12% 7% 8% 9% 14% 15% 8% 7% 6% 8% 6% 7% 8% 17% 9% 13% 6% 5% 11% 6% 9%
- 52 -
Radioactive waste
3.2. Use of recycled material Questionnaire source: Q9 Let us see precisely for which use(s) citizens would accept recycled material from the decommissioning of nuclear power stations, if the responsible authorities authorised its use. - Use of recycled materials mainly acceptable for the construction of roads The principle use of these materials would be the manufacture of rails for railways, the answer mentioned by 43% of citizens of the European Union. Next, 37% of respondents spontaneously stated that they would never accept the use of such materials. This high response rate indicates that there is rather strong opposition from the public on this subject. However almost three in ten respondents would accept the use of these materials for the construction of roads in their neighbourhood (28%) and a quarter would accept it in the manufacture of cars (20%). When it is a case of using these materials in an environment close to the interviewees, they were significantly less likely to accept their use, either as a foundation material for their house or pathways leading to it (13%) or, in particular, for the production of metal foils used for the packaging of their own food (7%).
Q 9 . If t he re s po ns ible a ut ho rit ie s wo uld a llo w t he us e o f re c yc le d m a t e ria l f ro m t he de c o m m is s io ning o f nuc le a r po we r s t a t io ns , f o r whic h o f t he f o llo wing purpo s e s wo uld yo u a c c e pt it s us e ? % E U
The m anufacture o f rails fo r railways
43%
N o ne/I wo uld never accept the use o f such a recycled m aterial (SP ON TA N EOUS)
37%
The co nstructio n o f ro ads in yo ur neighbo urho o d
28%
The m anufacture o f cars
20%
A s fo undatio n m aterial fo r yo ur ho use o r pathways leading to it
13 %
The pro ductio n o f m etal fo ils used fo r the packaging o f yo ur fo o d
7%
Other (SP ON TA N EOUS)
1%
DK
8%
- 53 -
Radioactive waste
Considerable differences of opinion about this subject emerged between the Member States: Generally speaking citizens in Sweden and the Netherlands would be more willing than their neighbours to accept all the applications mentioned here for recycled materials coming from the nuclear industry; More respondents in the Nordic countries (Sweden, Finland, Denmark) and the Netherlands would welcome the manufacture of rails for railways with recycled material from decommissioned nuclear power stations; The Swedes and the Dutch expressed the same positive view regarding the construction of roads in their neighbourhood using such materials, and in the manufacture of cars, an application which was also more generally acceptable to the British and the Danes; Building the foundations or the driveway of one's own house using these recycled materials recycling would be more acceptable to citizens in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Sweden; The use of this type of materials for packaging food in aluminium foil seemed better perceived in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom; It should be noticed that a higher percentage of respondents (close to 20%) were unable to answer this question in Portugal, Malta, Ireland, Lithuania and Spain; Finally, those citizens who would never accept the use of such recycled material tend to live in Greece (60%), Hungary (60%), Austria (57%) and Latvia (51%).
None/I would As foundation The The production of never accept the The material for your Other construction of metal foils used use of such a manufacture of house or roads in your for the packaging (SPONTANEOUS) recycled material cars pathways leading neighbourhood of your food (SPONTANEOUS) to it
Q9.
The manufacture of rails for railways
DK
43% 49% 62% 45% 28% 38% 51% 28% 26% 36% 66% 22% 31% 67% 76% 53% 41% 46% 37% 25% 28% 30% 29% 35% 41% 39%
37% 38% 24% 43% 60% 31% 29% 45% 44% 45% 16% 57% 35% 26% 16% 26% 35% 37% 42% 60% 51% 35% 22% 43% 41% 46%
28% 42% 40% 23% 16% 32% 34% 22% 14% 31% 49% 7% 28% 32% 53% 41% 30% 24% 23% 14% 18% 19% 31% 18% 25% 21%
20% 28% 31% 19% 9% 21% 25% 16% 8% 16% 33% 10% 15% 29% 38% 34% 21% 10% 11% 7% 6% 13% 23% 10% 10% 13%
13% 20% 15% 9% 6% 17% 13% 6% 8% 10% 25% 4% 13% 12% 22% 23% 13% 6% 7% 6% 4% 5% 10% 7% 4% 6%
7% 8% 7% 6% 3% 10% 7% 3% 6% 7% 15% 3% 4% 5% 12% 14% 4% 2% 2% 2% 3% 3% 5% 4% 2% 3%
1% 2% 0% 1% 0% 1% 1% 1% 2% 0% 1% 3% 2% 1% 1% 0% 0% 0% 1% 2% 0% 5% 0% 1% 2% 2%
8% 2% 7% 4% 4% 16% 7% 17% 9% 6% 6% 12% 18% 2% 3% 10% 5% 9% 10% 5% 8% 17% 18% 5% 6% 5%
- 54 -
Radioactive waste
The socio-demographic characteristics of citizens of the European Union seem to play a certain role in their acceptance of recycled materials from decommissioned nuclear power stations: Men would accept the use of these materials for all the applications suggested here more readily than women whereas more women spontaneously state that they would never accept such uses. Respondents aged between 15 and 39 years would be more willing to accept these recycled materials than their elders. The higher the educational level of the interviewees, the more they came out in favour of the general use of these materials. Students also gave this answer, as did managers and residents in large towns. Finally, citizens who consider themselves generally well-informed about radioactive waste and those in favour of nuclear energy are also, unsurprisingly, more likely to accept these materials.
As The None/I would foundationproduction material of metal The never accept the The The for your foils used Other manufacture use of such a construction of DK manufacture of rails for recycled roads in your house or for the (SPONTANEOUS) of cars railways material neighbourhood pathways packaging leading to of your (SPONTANEOUS) it food
Q9.
EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Respondent occupation scale Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Subjective urbanisation Rural village Small/ mid size town Large town Level of information Well informed Not well informed Support for nuclear energy In favour Opposed
43% 45% 40% 50% 47% 42% 36% 32% 42% 52% 54% 44% 56% 44% 44% 35% 39% 35% 54% 43% 40% 47% 50% 41% 56% 36%
37% 33% 40% 26% 34% 40% 41% 43% 38% 32% 25% 36% 29% 35% 36% 41% 38% 43% 25% 37% 38% 33% 31% 39% 24% 46%
28% 32% 24% 29% 31% 28% 24% 22% 26% 35% 31% 29% 39% 26% 27% 22% 28% 24% 31% 29% 25% 31% 36% 25% 38% 21%
20% 22% 17% 26% 22% 19% 15% 15% 19% 24% 28% 19% 27% 18% 21% 16% 22% 14% 28% 20% 18% 22% 24% 18% 28% 15%
13% 16% 10% 15% 14% 13% 10% 10% 12% 16% 15% 16% 17% 13% 14% 9% 14% 9% 15% 12% 11% 16% 17% 12% 18% 10%
7% 9% 6% 9% 8% 7% 6% 6% 6% 9% 10% 9% 9% 7% 7% 5% 7% 6% 10% 7% 6% 10% 10% 6% 10% 6%
1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1%
8% 7% 9% 7% 6% 7% 11% 12% 7% 6% 5% 6% 5% 7% 7% 12% 7% 10% 5% 8% 8% 8% 5% 8% 6% 7%
- 55 -
Radioactive waste
To end this section on the recycling of uncontaminated material coming from the nuclear industry we have cross tabulated the two questions analysed above in order to discover the general opinion expressed by interviewees on this subject on the basis of the uses they would accept5. While across the European Union, 43% of citizens would accept the use of this type of recycled material for the manufacture of rails for railways, this is true of the 70% of citizens who had no reservations (yes, certainly responses) about the use of these materials for any purpose. We also observe that 35% of citizens would be prepared to accept this use even if they had declared themselves to be rather opposed to the recycling of these materials (no, probably not responses) and 16% would accept it while being firmly opposed to these recycled materials. Some citizens opposed to the use of uncontaminated recycled materials coming from the nuclear industry would even approve of their use for the construction of roads in their neighbourhood (16% of those saying no, probably not and 7% of those saying no, certainly not). Opponents of the use of this type of material are, however, very unlikely to accept these recycled materials for applications that concern them more directly, such as the construction of their house or the packaging of their food. Finally, 11% of respondents firmly supporting the use of these materials for any purpose, and 16% of those 'probably' supporting it state that they would never accept the use of such a material when the detailed possibilities for use were put forward.
% Q9. Use allowed for .. EU25
Q8. Use of un-contaminated materials No, probably not 35% 16% 10% 6% No, certainly not 16% 7% 3% 2%
Yes, certainly
Yes, probably
The manufacture of rails for railways 43% The construction of roads in your neighbourhood The manufacture of cars As foundation material for your house or pathways leading to it The production of metal foils used for the packaging of your food None/I would never accept the use of such a recycled material Other (SPONTANEOUS) DK 28% 20% 13%
70% 57% 45% 33%
61% 40% 29% 18%
7%
20%
10%
3%
2%
37% 1% 8%
11% 1% 3%
16% 1% 6%
47% 1% 5%
75% 1% 4%
5 Q9. If the responsible authorities would allow the use of recycled material (construction materials, scrap metals, etc.) from the decommissioning of nuclear power stations, for which of the following purposes would you accept its use? & Q8. Do you think recycled uncontaminated materials coming from nuclear industry can be used for any purpose?
- 56 -
Radioactive waste
3.3. Actual knowledge regarding management Questionnaire source: Q10 - Mixed knowledge of the management of radioactive waste Two-thirds of citizens of the European Union seem to know that high-level radioactive waste is stored temporarily (66% correct responses). Furthermore, the majority of interviewees know that less dangerous radioactive waste is put in solid form and packed in steel drums (56% correct responses). However, a majority of the population gives the wrong answer in stating that on the one hand radioactive waste is either buried deep underground at special disposal sites (58% incorrect answers against 23% correct) and on the other hand is sent to other countries for disposal (final storage) (52% incorrect answers against 27% correct). Finally, fewer than one respondent in two thinks, rightly, that radioactive waste is not dumped at sea (46% correct answers) but more than a third believe the opposite (35% incorrect answers).
Q 10 . F o r e a c h o f t he f o llo wing s t a t e m e nt s a bo ut ho w ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e is c urre nt ly de a lt wit h in ( O U R C O U N T R Y ) , ple a s e t e ll m e whe t he r yo u t hink it is t rue o r f a ls e . % E U TRUE FA LSE DK
H igh level radio active waste is sto red tem po rarily, pending a final decisio n o n dispo sal (final sto rage) C o rrect answer : TR UE R adio active waste is currently buried deep undergro und at special dispo sal sites C o rrect answer : FA LSE Less dangero us radio active waste is put in so lid fo rm and packed in steel drum s C o rrect answer : TR UE R adio active waste is sent to o ther co untries fo r dispo sal (final sto rage) C o rrect answer : FA LSE R adio active waste is dum ped at sea C o rrect answer : FA LSE 0%
66%
13 %
2 1%
58%
23%
19 %
56%
16 %
28%
52%
27%
2 1%
35%
46%
19 %
100%
- 57 -
Radioactive waste
3.3.1. Temporary storage Two-thirds of citizens of the European Union are aware of the temporary storage procedure for radioactive waste pending a final decision on disposal (66%). In Germany, nearly nine out of ten gave the correct answer - true to the statement that high-level radioactive waste is stored temporarily pending a final decision on disposal (86%). More than eight out of ten respondents also gave the right answer in Sweden (83%), Slovenia (82%) and Belgium (81%). Temporary storage pending a final decision, however, seems less well-known, particularly in Estonia, Portugal and Malta where fewer than one interviewee in ten gave the right answer. It should be noted that the highest percentage of wrong answers came in Luxembourg (23%) and Malta (21%). There were also high non-response rates in many countries, including Malta (46%) and Portugal (44%).
Q 10 .4 . H igh le v e l ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e is s t o re d t e m po ra rily, pe nding a f ina l de c is io n o n dis po s a l ( f ina l s t o ra ge ) C o rre c t a ns we r : " T rue " True EU25 66% False 13 % DK 2 1%
DE SE SI BE NL FI HU FR CZ AT DK LT SK IT PL UK LV LU EL IE ES CY EE PT MT 32%
86% 83% 82% 8 1% 79% 77% 72% 70% 67% 66% 63% 63% 6 1% 58% 58% 56% 55% 53% 52% 52% 50% 50% 49% 42% 2 1% 15 % 15 % 11% 17 % 16 % 18 % 44% 46% 8% 14 % 23% 33% 37% 33% 34% 33% 15 % 15 % 36% 3 1% 9% 19 % 13 % 20% 13 % 14 % 20% 25% 9% 13 % 9% 9% 13 %
9%
4% 8% 8% 6%
12 % 9% 15 % 16 % 13 %
17 % 24% 20% 27% 27%
24%
0%
1 00%
- 58 -
Radioactive waste
3.3.2. Underground disposal of radioactive waste Almost six out of ten citizens of the European Union gave the wrong answer, stating that radioactive waste is currently buried deep underground at special disposal sites (58%). Only 23% of people interviewed gave the right answer, stating that the opposite, and 19% were unable to answer this question. More than a third of respondents knew that radioactive waste was not buried deep underground at special disposal sites in Cyprus (39%), Belgium (37%), Slovenia (37%), the Netherlands (35%), Lithuania (35%), Luxembourg (34%) and Sweden (34%). The highest level of incorrect answers was found in Germany where three-quarters of respondents answered the question wrongly (75%), and Finland where more than two-thirds of the population also gave the incorrect response. Finally, more 'don't knows' were recorded in, firstly, Malta (39%), followed by Portugal (37%).
Q 10 .1. R a dio a c t iv e wa s t e is c urre nt ly burie d de e p unde rgro und a t s pe c ia l dis po s a l s it e s C o rre c t a ns we r : " F a ls e " False EU25 23% True 58% DK 19 %
CY BE SI NL LT LU SE DK MT EL HU FR LV AT CZ PL SK IT FI EE IE PT DE ES UK
39% 37% 37% 35% 35% 34% 34% 33% 3 1% 29% 29% 27% 26% 25% 25% 25% 25% 24% 24% 24% 23% 23% 19 % 16 % 15 % 58% 59% 47% 4 1% 45% 44% 30%
3 1% 54% 53% 48% 42% 40% 59% 52% 39% 44% 50% 58%
30% 9% 10 % 17 % 23% 26% 7% 15 %
26% 2 1% 15 % 29% 32%
6 1% 52% 56% 53% 69% 54% 22% 30% 37% 75% 26% 27% 23%
14 %
19 % 23% 7%
6%
0%
1 00%
- 59 -
Radioactive waste
3.3.3. Storage in steel drums The majority of citizens of the European Union are aware of the procedure which consists of putting less dangerous radioactive waste in solid form and packing it in steel drums (56%). However, 16% of respondents do not know this and 28% are unable to give an answer. Eight out of ten interviewees gave the right answer to this statement in Slovenia (80%) and Belgium (78%). Conversely, fewer than three in ten respondents in Portugal (28%) and Malta (28%) were aware of this procedure. This poor result indicates a lack of public knowledge. In these two countries, nearly one in two interviewees were unable to give an answer: 49% in Malta and 48% in Portugal.
Q 10 .2 . Le s s da nge ro us ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e is put in s o lid f o rm a nd pa c k e d in s t e e l drum s C o rre c t a ns we r : " T rue " True EU25 56% False 16 % DK 28%
SI BE DE NL SE FR FI DK AT UK SK CZ HU LU IE PL IT LT EE ES LV EL CY PT MT
80% 78% 70% 68% 66% 62% 6 1% 55% 55% 55% 55% 54% 53% 5 1% 49% 49% 48% 45% 44% 42% 39% 37% 33% 28% 28% 23% 24% 24% 12 % 2 1% 20% 22% 18 % 18 % 2 1% 24% 18 % 11% 10 % 23% 20% 2 1% 20% 38% 14 % 19 % 9% 17 % 15 %
11% 12 %
9% 10 % 15 %
23% 18 % 24% 20% 27% 34% 36% 22% 26% 25% 29%
30% 32% 34% 39% 40% 40% 39% 44% 48% 49%
0%
1 00%
- 60 -
Radioactive waste
3.3.4. Despatch to other countries The majority of the population of the European Union give the incorrect answer when they state that radioactive waste is sent to other countries for final disposal. 52% of people interviewed answer true to this statement, which is in fact false, the answer given by 27% of respondents. Finally, 21% of interviewees are unable to give an opinion on this subject. The Czech Republic is the only Member State in which a majority of citizens give the correct answer: 52% of Czechs seem to know that radioactive waste is not sent to other countries for final disposal. Otherwise, three-quarters of respondents wrongly believe that this type of waste is sent abroad in the Netherlands (75%), Luxembourg (75%) and to a lesser extent Denmark (72%).
Q 10 .3 . R a dio a c t iv e wa s t e is s e nt t o o t he r c o unt rie s f o r dis po s a l ( f ina l s t o ra ge ) C o rre c t a ns we r : " F a ls e " False EU25 27% True 52% DK 2 1%
CZ SI FI FR HU LV SK LT MT BE UK CY ES PL DE EL SE EE IT PT DK NL AT LU IE
52% 46% 39% 37% 35% 32% 32% 3 1% 30% 28% 28% 28% 27% 27% 26% 26% 25% 24% 20% 20% 16 % 14 % 14 % 11% 9% 63% 62% 75% 39% 72% 75% 47% 55% 4 1% 66% 4 1% 32% 39% 5 1% 66% 28% 64% 36% 48% 45% 44% 46%
34% 4 1% 5 1%
14 % 13 % 10 % 19 % 19 % 33% 20% 24% 4 1% 8% 3 1% 39% 34% 23% 8% 33% 9% 29% 25% 40% 12 % 11% 24% 14 % 28%
0%
1 00%
- 61 -
Radioactive waste
3.3.5. Dumping at sea More than a third of citizens of the European Union answer incorrectly in stating that radioactive waste is dumped at sea (35%), while 46% know that this statement is false and 19% were unable to answer this question. In Finland, a very high percentage of the population (87%) know that radioactive waste is not dumped at sea. This is also the case of 81% of respondents in Sweden, 80% in Lithuania, 78% in Slovenia and 74% in Denmark. A high rate of incorrect answers to this question was recorded in Belgium, Ireland, and Greece where 56%, 55% and 50% of respondents respectively believe that radioactive waste is dumped at sea.
Q 10 .5 . R a dio a c t iv e wa s t e is dum pe d a t s e a C o rre c t a ns we r : " F a ls e " False EU25 46% True 35% DK 19 %
FI SE LT SI DK HU DE AT EE CZ FR LV LU NL CY SK MT IT BE PT PL EL UK ES IE
87% 8 1% 80% 78% 74% 67% 65% 60% 60% 58% 55% 53% 50% 50% 48% 48% 47% 42% 40% 37% 37% 32% 25% 24% 2 1% 49% 47% 55% 26% 4 1% 50% 27% 29% 25% 30% 27% 2 1% 36% 56% 37% 24% 32% 37% 18 % 23% 30% 30% 18 % 24% 9% 14 % 16 % 14 %
9%
4% 5%
12 % 8% 10 % 15 % 11% 22% 17 % 12 % 15 % 23% 18 % 13 % 22% 25%
32% 22% 5%
2 1% 18 %
0%
1 00%
- 62 -
Radioactive waste
3.3.6. Average actual knowledge An analysis of the average of the responses given to the five statements in this quiz on the management of radioactive waste indicates the following: The rate of correct responses across the European Union is 44%, the rate of incorrect responses 35% and the 'don't know' rate 22%. There is thus a certain degree of ignorance about this topic within the Union. The citizens who are, on average, best informed about the procedures for the management of radioactive waste are the Slovenes (65%), the Finns (58%), the Swedes (58%), the Belgians (53%) and the Germans (53%). It should be noted, however, that Belgium is the country that registered the highest average rate of wrong answers - 40% - but a very low non-response rate. Among those citizens knowing least about the management of radioactive waste, we find the Portuguese (30% correct responses on average), the Irish (31%) and the Spanish (32%). Finally, a higher average non-response rate is recorded in Malta (41%) and Portugal (41%).
Q 10 . A V E R A G E O F A N S W E R S M E N T IO N E D A T T H E 5 IT E M S
Average of correct answers

EU25 44%
Average of wrong answers

35%
DK
22%
SI FI SE BE DE CZ HU LT FR NL DK AT SK LV LU EE CY PL IT UK EL MT ES IE PT
0%
65% 58% 58% 53% 53% 5 1% 5 1% 5 1% 50% 49% 48% 44% 44% 4 1% 40% 40% 39% 39% 38% 36% 35% 34% 32% 3 1% 30% 29% 25% 36% 38% 28% 38% 32% 27% 36% 36% 33% 35% 29% 35% 33% 29% 26% 32% 36% 36%
26% 32% 33% 40% 38%
10 % 10 % 10 % 7% 9% 16 % 19 % 23% 18 % 15 % 16 % 27% 2 1% 3 1% 22% 28% 34% 25% 26% 3 1% 30%
4 1% 32% 32% 4 1%
100 %
- 63 -
Radioactive waste
Let us now turn to the analysis of the average of the responses given in relation to the socio-demographic characteristics of citizens of the European Union. More men tend to give an answer, either correct or incorrect, while women recorded a higher rate of 'don't knows'. Age does not appear to be a significant factor in this domain. However, there is a higher non-response rate among respondents aged 55 and over. The further citizens have pursued their studies, the more they tend to give the correct answers, with the 'don't know' rate being very high among those who studied least (up to a maximum of age 15). If managers on average give the correct answer most often, more people who stay at home full-time were unable to give an opinion. More citizens among those who consider themselves well-informed about nuclear waste in general answer the questions about its management correctly, as do the supporters of nuclear energy.
Average of correct answers Average of wrong answers
Q10.
DK
EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Respondent occupation scale Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Level of information Well informed Not well informed Support for nuclear energy In favour Opposed
44% 46% 41% 45% 44% 45% 42% 38% 45% 48% 46% 45% 49% 45% 44% 36% 44% 42% 46% 50% 42% 49% 43%
35% 36% 33% 35% 35% 36% 33% 33% 36% 35% 36% 36% 35% 36% 36% 32% 35% 33% 36% 37% 34% 36% 36%
22% 18% 25% 20% 21% 19% 25% 30% 20% 17% 18% 19% 16% 19% 21% 33% 21% 25% 18% 12% 24% 16% 22%
- 64 -
Radioactive waste
3.4. Sources of information Questionnaire source: Q12 This part of the report considers the sources of information that citizens of the European Union most trust when it comes to information about how radioactive waste is managed in their countries. This question had already been posed during the survey carried out in late 2001. - NGOs and independent scientists remain the two preferred sources of information Around one in four interviewees state that they trust either NGOs active in environmental protection (39%) or independent scientists (38%) to inform them about the management of radioactive waste in their country. These already represented the two main information sources in 2001, although to a lesser extent. NGOs working for environmental protection are up by 8 points, and independent scientists by 6 points. International organisations working on peaceful uses of nuclear technology represent the third response given in 2005 (30%, +8 points). These organisations thus overtake national agencies in charge of dealing with radioactive waste and the national government by comparison with 2001, answers given in 2005 are respectively 26% (-1 point) and 19% (-10 points) of respondents. 14% of interviewees would trust the European Union to inform them about the way in which radioactive waste is managed in their country (+3 points), 13% the media (-10 points) and 11% the nuclear industry (+1 point). In 2005, therefore, we can see a degree of loss of confidence in both national governments and the media as regards information about the management of radioactive waste, mainly to the benefit of non-governmental and international organisations.
Q 12 . W hic h o f t he f o llo wing, if a ny, wo uld yo u t rus t t o giv e yo u inf o rm a t io n a bo ut t he wa y ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e is m a na ge d in ( O UR C O U N T R Y ) ? % E U EB 63.2: 02/2005 EB 56.2: 10-11/2001
N GOs co ncerned abo ut the enviro nm ent
39% 31% 38% 32% 30% 22% 26% 27% 19% 29% 14% 11% 13% 23% 11% 10% 7% 9% 4% 12%
Independent scientists Internatio nal o rganisatio ns wo rking o n peaceful uses o f nuclear techno lo gy N atio nal agencies in charge o f dealing with radio active waste
The (NA TION A LITY) Go vernm ent
The Euro pean Unio n
The m edia
The nuclear industry
No ne o f these (SP ON TA NEOUS)
DK
- 65 -
Radioactive waste
The sources of information in which European Union citizens would have confidence for information about the management of radioactive waste in their country vary from one Member State to another: Generally speaking, citizens in Sweden and the Netherlands seem to draw on a wider range of sources of information in this domain. More of them cite several sources of information. More than one in two respondents in Slovenia (54%), Austria (53%) and Sweden (50%) would have more confidence in NGOs active in environmental protection for information in this domain. Six out of ten citizens in the Netherlands would prefer to turn to independent scientists (60%). They are followed by the Swedes (58%), the Danes (56%) and the Finns (55%). 50% of the Dutch and Swedes would also trust the information provided by international organisations working on peaceful uses of nuclear technology. This is also true of 44% of Czechs, 43% of Slovaks and 43% of Cypriots. Respondents in the Czech Republic (49%) and Sweden (46%) are more likely to trust their national agencies in charge of dealing with radioactive waste to provide them with information. A third of citizens in the Netherlands (34%), Portugal (34%) and Cyprus (32%) rely mostly on their national government. Around a quarter of interviewees state that they would most trust the European Union in this matter in Malta (27%), Cyprus (26%), Belgium (24%), the Netherlands (24%) and the Czech Republic (23%). The media would be more trusted in Greece (28%), Portugal (24%), Spain (22%) and Finland (20%). A higher level of trust is observed in the nuclear industry as a source of information about the management of radioactive waste in Sweden (26%) and Slovakia (22%).
- 66 -
Radioactive waste
The sources of information in which European Union citizens would have confidence for information about the management of radioactive waste in their country by Member State
Q12.
Nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) concerned about the environment
Independent scientists
International organisations working on peaceful uses of nuclear technology
National agencies in charge of dealing with radioactive waste
The (NATIONALITY) Government
The European Union
The media
The nuclear industry
39% 43% 39% 32% 40% 31% 48% 36% 40% 44% 46% 53% 33% 33% 50% 38% 39% 45% 35% 41% 26% 19% 39% 37% 49% 54%
38% 50% 56% 44% 43% 32% 43% 32% 21% 34% 60% 46% 26% 55% 58% 41% 39% 41% 41% 41% 32% 30% 35% 29% 35% 35%
30% 38% 37% 33% 25% 15% 33% 25% 20% 26% 50% 27% 18% 37% 50% 29% 43% 44% 40% 30% 28% 36% 28% 32% 43% 36%
26% 33% 37% 36% 23% 14% 23% 24% 24% 27% 38% 36% 23% 34% 46% 20% 29% 49% 27% 25% 22% 16% 22% 13% 37% 37%
19% 21% 31% 13% 25% 30% 14% 27% 21% 29% 34% 20% 34% 22% 28% 16% 32% 20% 13% 15% 15% 10% 24% 7% 19% 9%
14% 24% 15% 9% 18% 15% 14% 18% 11% 17% 24% 13% 17% 14% 10% 13% 26% 23% 12% 17% 10% 18% 27% 13% 17% 12%
13% 14% 12% 13% 28% 22% 11% 19% 6% 11% 9% 19% 24% 20% 6% 10% 19% 17% 13% 5% 19% 10% 16% 12% 19% 15%
11% 14% 9% 8% 5% 8% 15% 9% 8% 11% 10% 6% 10% 18% 26% 16% 15% 17% 11% 4% 7% 18% 7% 9% 22% 14%
- 67 -
Radioactive waste
The sources of information most trusted by citizens of the European Union regarding the management of radioactive waste in their country varies with their sociodemographic profile. Men are slightly more likely than women to consult diverse information sources. More men mentioned independent scientists (+5 points), the European Union (+4), national agencies in charge of dealing with radioactive waste (+2), the national government (+2) and the nuclear industry (+2). However, more women state that they trust NGOs active in environment protection (+3). More young people aged between 15 and 24 years place their trust in sources such as the relevant national agencies (differential of +13 points by comparison with respondents aged 55 and over), the European Union (+10) and the nuclear industry (+9) for information about the management of radioactive waste. While citizens with a low educational level tend to trust their government and the media more, those with a higher level of education would prefer to turn to other sources. Respondents positioning themselves to the left politically are more likely to trust NGOs working in environmental protection. Right supporters seem, by comparison with supporters of the left, to prefer international organisations working on peaceful uses of nuclear technology, national agencies in charge of dealing with radioactive waste and the nuclear industry. People staying at home full-time seem to have less confidence in independent scientists, international organisations working on peaceful uses of nuclear technology, the European Union and the nuclear industry. It also emerges that students would trust national agencies in charge of dealing with radioactive waste and the nuclear industry to inform them about the management of radioactive waste in their country. More people living in large towns trust NGOs concerned about the environment. Furthermore, they were also more likely to mention all the information sources suggested here. The level of information about radioactive waste in general plays a certain role in the distribution of responses to this question. Of the eight sources of information listed here, well-informed citizens tend to trust a wider variety than not well informed citizens (six sources). Finally, supporters of nuclear energy also seem more willing to trust different sources of information about the management of radioactive waste in their country, mainly to the benefit of national agencies in charge of dealing with radioactive waste (+11 points by comparison with opponents), independent scientists (+9), international organisations working on peaceful uses of nuclear technology (+9) and the nuclear industry (+8).
- 68 -
Radioactive waste
Sources of information by socio-demographic variables
12.
Nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) concerned about the environment
International National organisations agencies in The The Independent working on charge of (NATIONALITY) European scientists peaceful uses dealing with Government Union of nuclear radioactive technology waste
The media
The None of these nuclear (SPONTANEOUS) industry
DK
EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Education (End of) 15 16-19 20+ Still Studying Left-Right scale (1-4) Left (5-6) Centre (7-10) Right Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Rural village Small/ mid size town Large town Level of information Well informed Not well informed In favour Opposed
39% 37% 40% 39% 44% 43% 31% 30% 40% 46% 43% 46% 39% 36% 43% 46% 44% 40% 38% 39% 30% 43% 37% 38% 43% 39% 39% 39% 41%
38% 41% 36% 34% 39% 43% 36% 30% 38% 49% 39% 43% 40% 41% 43% 52% 42% 36% 29% 34% 36% 39% 37% 36% 45% 45% 36% 45% 36%
30% 30% 30% 32% 31% 32% 26% 20% 31% 37% 35% 31% 32% 34% 33% 36% 32% 30% 22% 29% 26% 35% 28% 29% 33% 34% 29% 36% 27%
26% 27% 25% 34% 27% 26% 21% 17% 26% 30% 38% 27% 26% 31% 24% 34% 30% 26% 22% 21% 20% 38% 24% 27% 27% 31% 24% 33% 22%
19% 20% 18% 20% 19% 16% 20% 22% 16% 18% 20% 20% 18% 20% 19% 17% 19% 18% 19% 17% 19% 20% 18% 19% 20% 20% 18% 19% 18%
14% 16% 12% 20% 15% 12% 10% 10% 13% 16% 23% 15% 14% 14% 16% 16% 14% 12% 10% 14% 10% 23% 11% 14% 16% 15% 13% 16% 13%
13% 13% 13% 12% 13% 15% 11% 15% 13% 11% 12% 13% 14% 12% 12% 12% 12% 15% 15% 14% 11% 12% 13% 12% 15% 13% 13% 12% 13%
11% 12% 10% 17% 12% 10% 8% 8% 12% 11% 17% 9% 12% 14% 10% 12% 12% 12% 8% 11% 9% 17% 10% 10% 13% 13% 10% 16% 8%
7% 7% 8% 5% 5% 7% 10% 11% 7% 5% 4% 6% 7% 5% 5% 6% 5% 6% 7% 9% 11% 4% 9% 7% 6% 6% 8% 5% 8%
4% 2% 5% 2% 2% 2% 6% 8% 2% 1% 2% 2% 3% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 8% 3% 5% 2% 4% 4% 3% 1% 4% 1% 3%
Respondent occupation scale
Subjective urbanisation
- 69 -
Radioactive waste
4. Public opinion of underground disposal

Questionnaire source: Q11 The question of the final disposal of high-level radioactive waste is currently under discussion in many countries. With some exceptions, most of the countries have not yet taken a decision on this subject. Let us consider the opinion of citizens of the European Union in terms of to what extent they agree or disagree with four statements on this subject. - It is necessary to act now Almost all the interviewees agree with the statement "A solution for highly radioactive waste should be developed now and not left for future generations" (92% agree, of whom 73% 'totally agree'). However, eight out of ten citizens of the Union consider that the fact that no decision on the final disposal of highly radioactive waste has been taken shows that it is politically unpopular to take decisions about the handling of any dangerous waste (81%, of whom 45% totally agree). Furthermore, the delay in deciding about this subject is taken as evidence that there is no safe way of getting rid of highly radioactive waste (79%, of whom 50% 'totally agree'). Finally, respondents were more divided on the question of underground disposal sites. While a relative majority agree that these sites represent the most appropriate solution for the long-term management of high-level radioactive waste (45%, of whom 19% totally agree), 38% think the opposite, stating that they do not agree with this solution (of whom 17% totally disagree). It should be noted that 17% of interviewees were unable to give an opinion on this subject.
Q 11. F o r t he m o m e nt , wit h s o m e e xc e pt io n, m o s t o f t he c o unt rie s ha v e no t t a k e n a de c is io n o n t he f ina l dis po s a l o f highly ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e . % E U To tally agree Tend to agree Tend to disagree To tally disagree DK
A so lutio n fo r highly radio active waste sho uld be develo ped no w and no t left fo r future generatio ns
73%
19 %
5%
This sho ws that there is no safe way o f getting rid o f highly radio active waste
50%
29%
10 %
9%
This sho ws that it is po litically unpo pular to take decisio ns abo ut the handling o f any dangero us waste
45%
36%
8%
9%
Deep undergro und dispo sal represents the m o st appro priate so lutio n fo r lo ng-term m anagem ent o f highly radio active waste 0%
19 %
26%
20%
17 %
17%
100%
- 70 -
Radioactive waste
4.1. The need for an urgent solution There is a very broad consensus across the European Union as regards the need to find a solution now for high-level radioactive waste and not to leave this issue for future generations. The rate of agreement varies between 97% in Finland and Sweden and 83% in Spain. A slightly higher percentage of citizens who did not agreed with the need to find an immediate solution to this problem is found in the Czech Republic, Italy and Austria. Nevertheless, this percentage remains very low (6%). In Spain, 12% of interviewees were unable to express a view on this subject.
Q 11.2 . A s o lut io n f o r highly ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e s ho uld be de v e lo pe d no w a nd no t le f t f o r f ut ure ge ne ra t io ns A gree EU25 92% Disagree DK 5%
FI SE FR HU SI BE EL LU NL CY PL DK DE CZ LT SK EE IT AT UK IE LV MT PT ES
97% 97% 96% 96% 96% 95% 95% 95% 94% 94% 94% 93% 93% 93% 93% 93% 92% 9 1% 9 1% 90% 89% 89% 89% 86% 83% 5% 4% 6% 6% 8% 9% 8% 8% 9% 12 % 7% 4% 4% 6% 6% 4% 5% 6% 4%
0%
1 00%
- 71 -
Radioactive waste
4.2. What is the safe way to get rid of this waste? The fact that no decision has been taken on the final disposal of high-level radio active waste is perceived by nearly eight out of ten respondents as proof that there is no safe way of getting rid of highly radioactive waste (79%). Once again, there is a consensus on this subject across the Member States. The percentage of citizens in agreement with this statement varies between 88% in France and 63% in Malta. More respondents declared their agreement on this subject, primarily in France (88%), Austria (85%), Belgium (84%), Greece (84%) and Cyprus (84%). Conversely, 23% in Slovakia and 22% in Slovenia consider that the lack of a current decision does not reflect the absence of a safe way to get rid of this type of waste. As was noted for the preceding statement, the highest rate of non-responses was recorded in Spain (21%).
Q 11.3 . T his s ho ws t ha t t he re is no s a f e wa y o f ge t t ing rid o f highly ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e A gree EU25 79% Disagree DK 12 % 9%
FR AT BE EL CY IT LU DE SE EE HU LV LT PL DK NL FI IE SI CZ ES PT UK SK MT
88% 85% 84% 84% 84% 83% 82% 8 1% 8 1% 8 1% 8 1% 8 1% 8 1% 8 1% 78% 78% 78% 75% 75% 72% 70% 69% 69% 69% 63% 19 % 10 % 16 % 18 % 23% 11% 22% 19 % 6% 9% 9% 13 % 18 % 9% 13 %
6% 9% 13 % 9% 4% 11% 14 % 14 % 16 %
6% 6%
7% 11% 6% 5% 5%
10 % 6% 13 % 11% 10 % 8% 4%
20% 14 % 4% 9% 2 1% 15 % 13 % 8% 18 %
0%
1 00%
- 72 -
Radioactive waste
4.3. Political unpopularity A little more than eight in ten citizens of the European Union think that the absence of a decision as regards the final disposal of high-level radioactive waste shows that it is politically unpopular to take decisions about the handling of any dangerous waste (81%). Nine out of ten citizens give this response in Germany (90%) and Sweden (90%). This is also true of 88% of citizens in Belgium. However, almost a quarter of respondents disagreed in Slovakia (24%) and Slovenia (23%). More respondents are unable to express their views on this subject in Malta (18%), Spain (17%), Estonia (17%), Lithuania (17%) and Latvia (17%).
Q 11.1. T his s ho ws t ha t it is po lit ic a lly unpo pula r t o t a k e de c is io ns a bo ut t he ha ndling o f a ny da nge ro us wa s t e A gree EU25 8 1% Disagree DK 10 % 9%
DE SE BE FI HU DK IT NL AT IE CZ EL FR PT UK ES CY PL LU SI SK EE LT LV MT
90% 90% 88% 85% 84% 82% 82% 82% 82% 8 1% 8 1% 79% 79% 79% 79% 75% 75% 75% 73% 73% 70% 68% 64% 63% 62% 15 % 20% 19 % 20% 8% 12 % 12 % 20% 23% 24% 5% 7%
7% 8% 9% 12 % 11% 12 % 11% 14 % 10 % 5% 15 % 14 % 14 % 16 % 14 % 17 % 13 % 12 %
4%
5% 7% 7% 5% 8% 13 % 5% 7% 7%
7% 4% 6% 17 % 17 % 17 % 18 %
0%
1 00%
- 73 -
Radioactive waste
4.4. The underground disposal solution The opinions of the European Union's citizens diverge when it comes to the disposal of high-level radioactive waste in deep underground sites. Although 45% of respondents see this as the most appropriate solution for the long-term management of these materials, 38% disagree and 17% find it difficult to express an opinion. It should be noted that, according to the experts, the landfill of radioactive waste in a geological stratum constitutes the most appropriate method for the long-term management of the most dangerous solid radioactive waste. Around two-thirds of respondents consider that the deep burial of high-level radioactive waste represents the best solution in Finland (68%), Estonia (67%) and Hungary (64%). However, a majority of people interviewed did not see the burial of high-level radioactive waste as the most appropriate solution, mainly in Belgium (57%), but also in France (48%), Poland (47%), Luxembourg (47%), Lithuania (43%), Slovenia (42%), the Netherlands (42%) and Cyprus (42%). The highest non-response rates for this question were found in Spain (31%), Portugal (30%) and Malta (30%).
Q 11.4 . D e e p unde rgro und dis po s a l re pre s e nt s t he m o s t a ppro pria t e s o lut io n f o r lo ng- t e rm m a na ge m e nt o f highly ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e A gree EU25 45% Disagree 38% DK 17 %
FI EE HU SE CZ DK DE SI EL SK IT NL LV IE AT PT LT MT LU ES CY BE UK FR PL
68% 67% 64% 6 1% 55% 54% 53% 53% 52% 47% 46% 44% 44% 43% 43% 43% 42% 42% 4 1% 40% 40% 39% 39% 38% 34% 47% 36% 48% 29% 42% 57% 28% 47% 26% 43% 27% 39% 33% 40% 39% 42% 37% 18 % 20% 27% 33% 3 1% 35% 42%
25% 16 % 16 %
7%
11% 11% 14 % 12 % 6% 15 % 13 % 15 % 14 % 20% 29% 18 % 30% 15 % 30% 12 % 3 1% 18 % 4% 25% 14 % 19 %
0%
1 00%
- 74 -
Radioactive waste
Now let us consider the role of respondents' socio-demographic characteristics regarding the lack of decision about the final disposal of high-level radioactive waste (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4). More men tend to agree with the three proposals put forward here, and more particularly with the idea that deep underground disposal represents the most appropriate solution for long-term management of highly radioactive waste (+11 points by comparison with women). Young people (15-24 years) and citizens aged 55 and over tend to register a lower level of agreement with three of the four subjects tackled in this question, but the solution of deep landfill of waste is supported by a higher percentage of respondents aged 55 and over. More respondents positioning themselves on the right politically speaking see the underground disposal of high-level radioactive waste as the most appropriate solution (+8 points by comparison with left supporters). People living in large towns are more likely to agree with the need to find a solution now, the idea that it is politically unpopular to take decisions in this area, and the idea that the underground disposal of high-level radioactive waste is the best solution. More citizens among those who consider themselves well-informed about nuclear waste in general (+13 points by comparison with not well-informed citizens), and those supporting nuclear energy (+16 points by comparison with opponents) believe that deep underground disposal represents the best solution.
Q11. % Agree
A solution for highly radioactive waste should be developed now and not left for future generations
This shows that it is politically unpopular to take decisions about the handling of any dangerous waste
This shows that there is no safe way of getting rid of highly radioactive waste
Deep underground disposal represents the most appropriate solution for long-term management of highly radioactive waste
EU25 Sex Male Female Age 15-24 25-39 40-54 55 + Left-Right scale (1-4) Left (5-6) Centre (7-10) Right Subjective urbanisation Rural village Small/ mid size town Large town Level of information Well informed Not well informed Support for nuclear energy In favour Opposed
92% 94% 90% 91% 94% 94% 89% 93% 93% 94% 92% 91% 93% 95% 92% 95% 92%
81% 83% 79% 74% 84% 85% 80% 85% 83% 84% 80% 81% 83% 86% 80% 86% 81%
79% 78% 79% 75% 80% 81% 77% 81% 79% 79% 79% 79% 79% 79% 79% 77% 83%
45% 51% 40% 40% 41% 46% 49% 45% 45% 53% 43% 46% 47% 55% 42% 56% 40%
- 75 -
Radioactive waste
5. The European dimension of the management of radioactive waste

Questionnaire source: Q15 This last part of the report on European Union citizens' views of the management of radioactive waste considers the European aspect of the question against a background in which each Member State is entirely responsible for the management of its own radioactive waste. Three statements about this aspect were put to interviewees and they were asked to indicate whether or not they agreed with them. - Citizens call for a common agenda and strategies supervised by the European Union A very broad consensus was observed throughout the European Union regarding: The need for each Member State to fix a deadline for setting up management approaches for their waste 91% 'agree', of whom 66% totally agree; The need for harmonized and consistent practices because radioactive waste has an international impact 89% 'agree', of whom 60% 'totally agree; The demand for the European Union to monitor national practices and programmes 89% 'agree', of which 60% totally agree.
Citizens' opinions regarding these three principles are in line with the intentions of the European Union in this domain. The recent proposed Directive on the management of radioactive waste provides for the adoption of national programmes for the disposal of radioactive waste and sets a timetable for resolving the problem of landfill. It also says that each Member State must submit regular reports to the European Commission regarding the management of this waste.
Q 15 . In t he E u ro p e a n Unio n, e a c h m e m b e r S t a t e re m a ins f ully re s po ns ible f o r t he m a n a ge m e nt o f it s o wn ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e . F o r e a c h o f t he f o llo win g s t a t e m e n t s c o nc e rn in g t h is q ue s t io n , ple a s e t e ll m e t o wh a t e xt e nt yo u a gre e o r dis a g re e . To tally agree T end to agree Tend to disagree To tally disagree DK
It is high tim e fo r each Euro pean m em ber State to fix a deadline fo r setting up m anagem ent appro aches fo r their waste
66%
25%
6%
Since m anagem ent o f radio active waste m ay have effects beyo nd natio nal bo rders, harm o nized and co nsistent practices sho uld be fo und
60%
29%
7%
The Euro pean Unio n sho uld be able to m o nito r natio nal practices and pro gram s
60%
28%
4%
6%
0%
1 00%
- 76 -
Radioactive waste
There is broad agreement with these statements in all Member States. The percentage of citizens believing that it is high time that each Member State should fix a timetable for setting up management approaches for their waste varies between 97% in the Czech Republic and 77% in Portugal. This lower percentage is due to a high rate of non-responses (18%). 98% of Swedes consider that, since the management of radioactive waste may have effects beyond national borders, harmonized and consistent practices should be found. This was also the case for 79% of Spaniards (where the non-response rate reached 15%). Finally, the percentage of respondents agreeing that the European Union should be able to monitor national practices and programmes varies between 97% in Belgium or the Czech Republic and 79% in Spain (where 15% of 'don't knows' were recorded).
It is high time for each European member State to fix a deadline for setting up management approaches for their waste 91% 96% 92% 92% 92% 81% 95% 88% 90% 95% 95% 88% 77% 94% 95% 87% 95% 97% 92% 95% 89% 89% 88% 94% 93% 96% Since management of radioactive waste may have effects beyond national borders, harmonized and consistent practices should be found 89% 95% 88% 94% 92% 79% 93% 82% 91% 84% 94% 92% 80% 96% 98% 82% 91% 96% 89% 91% 88% 90% 80% 89% 93% 95%
Q15. % Agree
The European Union should be able to monitor national practices and programs 89% 97% 88% 93% 92% 79% 94% 89% 88% 92% 95% 82% 80% 92% 94% 82% 96% 97% 93% 94% 89% 94% 84% 89% 94% 92%
- 77 -
Radioactive waste
CONCLUSION
The European Commission's energy policy anticipates that the contribution of nuclear energy will decline in the future and that research into the safe management of nuclear waste must be actively pursued. This study of the opinions of citizens of the European Union about radioactive waste, carried out early in 2005, demonstrates the following main facts: Only a quarter of citizens of the European Union feel that they are well informed about radioactive waste (25%). Although this proportion has risen slightly - by 4 points - by comparison with 2001, the level of information regarding radioactive waste remains very low, given that three quarters of respondents do not feel well-informed about this subject. Countries in the south seem to suffer particularly from a lack of information (Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal), as do women and young people aged between 15 and 24 years. Furthermore, when questioned in more detail about their actual knowledge about radioactive waste, respondents seemed divided on this subject. The average of correct answers obtained for seven statements about nuclear waste was 53%, the average of incorrect answers 29% and the non-response rate was 18%. The level of actual knowledge about radioactive waste management was even lower, as for five statements on this subject the average of correct answers obtained is 44%, the average of incorrect answers 35% and the average non-response rate 22%. As regards information about the management of radioactive waste, citizens of the European Union would trust independent or noninstitutional sources of information, mainly NGOs active in environmental protection (39%) or independent scientists (38%). Institutional sources or the authorities are mentioned next: the national agencies responsible for radioactive waste (26%), national governments (19%) or the European Union (14%). Across the European Union, 37% of interviewees say that they are in favour of nuclear energy while 55% are against it, 24% emphatically so. Opinions on this matter vary greatly from one Member State to another. Almost two thirds of Swedes and Hungarians support nuclear energy, while nearly nine out of ten oppose it in Greece and Austria. It is also is important to note that 57% of opponents of energy nuclear would remain so even if the problems of radioactive waste were resolved. For a vast majority of citizens of the European Union, radioactive waste represents a risk. It is important to note that citizens who consider themselves well-informed about radioactive waste see fewer risks in general associated with this type of waste.
- 78 -
Radioactive waste
First of all, eight out of ten respondents wrongly believe that all radioactive waste is very dangerous (79%). Next, 74% of respondents consider the disposal of low-level radioactive waste to be very risky and 71% perceive the same high level of risk for the transport of this type of waste. Overall, the Greeks, the Irish and Austrians are most likely to perceive a very great risk; the Swedes, Danes and the Dutch are more likely to take the opposite view. When we approach the question of the use of uncontaminated recycled materials coming from the nuclear industry for any purpose, views vary across the European Union. 47% are in favour of this recycling and 43% are opposed to it. If the responsible authorities permit its use, citizens would be more ready to accept applications which do not affect them directly, such as the manufacture of rails for railways (43%). However, when these materials come close to them and their daily lives, citizens are increasingly reluctant to accept them. Only 7% would accept these materials for the manufacture of aluminium used for food packaging. It is important to note that 37% of people interviewed spontaneously stated that they would never accept the use of such material. However, in contrast, wellinformed citizens would be more ready in general to accept the use of recycled uncontaminated materials coming from the nuclear industry. In the hypothetical event that an underground disposal site for radioactive waste were to be built near their home, the possible impact on the environment and on health was the principal fear expressed by respondents (53%). Furthermore, if such a site had to be built, six out of ten respondents would wish to be consulted directly and to take part in the decision-making process; and one in four respondents would wish for local NGOs to take part in the debate. There is thus an obvious wish on the part of European Union citizens to be involved in the consultation and decision-making process in this domain. As regards the management of radioactive waste, citizens are almost unanimous as to the need for there to be no further delay in setting up a national strategy for high-level radioactive waste. They are also aware of the political difficulty of taking decisions on the treatment of dangerous waste, and think that the lack of a decision on this subject proves that there is no safe way of getting rid of this type of waste. While 45% of respondents consider that deep underground disposal represents the most appropriate solution for long-term management of highly radioactive waste, 38% disagree. The divergence of opinion in this respect shows that, although experts believe that these sites represent the best solution, this information does not yet seem to have reached the public. Finally, almost all citizens of the European Union recognise the importance of Member States establishing not only a timetable but also harmonised strategies supervised by the European Union in order to set up management policies for their radioactive waste. Respondents' opinions are thus in line with the intentions of the European Union, which is calling for the adoption of national programmes for the disposal of radioactive waste and for each Member State to submit regular reports to the European Commission regarding the management of this waste.
- 79 -

2005 06 Nucelar Waste en

Transféré par

Informations du document

Description originale:

Titre original

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

2005 06 Nucelar Waste en

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Special Eurobarometer

Special Eurobarometer 227 / Wave 63.2 TNS Opinion & Social

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

3.4. Sources of information ......................................................................... 65

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

5. The European dimension of the management of radioactive waste..............76

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

ANALYSIS 1. The perception of radioactive waste and nuclear energy

Q 1. H o w we ll inf o rm e d do yo u t hink yo u a re a bo ut ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e ? % E U

74% No t well info rm ed 77% 76%

25% Well info rm ed 2 1%

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Q 1. H o w we ll inf o rm e d do yo u t hink yo u a re a bo ut ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e ?

Not well informed

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Member States Results

The Netherlands 37%

United Kingdom 25%

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Q 5 . F o r e a c h o f t he f o llo wing s t a t e m e nt s , ple a s e t e ll m e whe t he r yo u t hink it is t rue o r f a ls e . % EU TRUE FA LSE DK

A ll radio active waste is very dangero us Co rrect answer : FA LSE

So m e R esearch centers pro duce radio active waste Co rrect answer : TR UE

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Q 5 .7 . A ll ra dio a c t iv e wa s t e is v e ry da nge ro us C o rre c t a ns we r : " F a ls e " False EU25 14 % True 79% DK 8%

59% 65% 66% 74% 73% 16 %

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

24% 20% 25% 28% 32% 33% 33%

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

False 7% 7% 7% 11% 7% 6% 7% 9% 7% 5% 11% 7% 5% 8% 7% 8% 6% 7% 11% 7% 8% 7% 6% 8% 7% 8%

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

NL SI BE SE FR LU FI DE CZ HU DK ES IE UK SK PL EL AT IT CY EE LV LT PT MT 54% 53% 52% 5 1% 50% 49%

18 % 20% 2 1% 24% 15 % 18 % 20% 2 1% 20%

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Support for nuclear energy

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

92% 9% 14 % 11% 7% 13 % 6% 9% 6% 13 % 4% 11% 4% 6% 10 % 13 % 6% 4% 7% 7% 12 % 16 % 9% 11% 10 % 3 1% 30% 35% 23%

16 % 23% 22% 19 % 18 % 25% 26% 27% 27% 22% 19 %

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

True EU25 66%

36% 36% 35%

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Support for nuclear energy

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

14 % 20% 13 % 36% 29% 23% 35%

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Average of correct answers

Average of wrong answers

22% 29% 29% 27% 23% 3 1% 28% 24% 27% 33%

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Special EUROBAROMETER 227 Report

Member States Results Hungary 65%

The Netherlands 52% United Kingdom 44%